I hate to have to drop a star, almost two. Let me explain the updated review. I went here for dinner and ordered the Incredible Beef with fries. I'll say the beef was great. The problem is Paterno's changed their fries. Oh Paterno's, why did you change the fries? The new fries are the crispy coated fries, which I can't stand. I don't like them enough, that I will limit my orders and go elsewhere. I really like the other food I've had here at Paterno's. I will not be ordering something with fries, which is unfortunate, I really like the Incredible Beef! read more

I went to Paterno's for lunch yesterday, for the first time in years, and the food was much, much tastier than I had remembered it to be (score!). This is a great lunch spot, though given the age of the crowd (older) and set up (nice for groups but not exactly cozy... it looks like a good place for retired Dads to go) makes me unlikely to go there in the evening for drinks. (I had the eggplant sandwich and fries... yum!!! The bread was super soft and fresh.) read more

Nothing I have tried has let me down here, ppl are really nice, most local gents after a work day come here. Everyone seems to know one another, the fries are good the BLT is my fav ( light on the lettuce) the pizza is the best! Cold beers on tap, a pool table, room for darts and lots of room for groups with TV's. Mostly see folks @ the bar stools but there is plenty of table seating. It's really affordable so make this your chill spot to decompress after work... ;-) read more

Great family dining, their menu has a variety of selections. I would recommend trying out their Italian beef with extra juice and the pizza is fantastic. For catering definitely the lasagna. Great customer service. The people are very friendly and welcoming. read more

Paterno's Pizza - 2 Turkey Club Sandwich w/fries, 1 slice pepperoni pizza, a Pizza Burger and side coleslaw - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Never had a bad lunch....always clean and friendly .lots of specials fresh pizza..good chili

So I have lived by this place forever and decided to check it out today with my friend . He had two slices of cheese pizza , I had a mushroom slice to go . No frills on the inside an old man bar . The slices were hot when we got home . However mine had sautéed mushrooms on mine . Not melted on top of the pizza. Despite that it was really good slice of pizza . I would go back and have it again. However if you don't have a mushroom pizza ready then just say your out . I wasn't drunk enough not to notice the mushrooms. read more

After a long day at work I look forward to having one of their many menu items. I try to go for a special so I get a pop as well. They are very friendly and they never fail at making great tasty food. Their soups are the best. I normally order it to go . I like their pizza so much I don't mind picking it up. They do deliver now via grub hub but ,it's a drive I don't mind going for . Their food is always fresh and hot when I pick it up. There's a mix of people working here so I don't see any bigotry around . Everyone is pleasant to one another. It's a police friendly bar which is a plus in always feeling safe. I see many neighborhood friends go there and it's because everything there is good to eat. They are nice people to do business with. read more

Finally Found A Pizza Place I Will Stick With Great pizza, and fried dough!!! read more

If we're eating thin crust in Jefferson Park area, this is where we get our pizza from. They use fresh ingredients and they have figured out how to cook a good pie. Their other food is also pretty tasty. I'm a big fan of the Steak Italiano and the wife loves to get the veggie sandwich. I'd definitely recommend this place and the only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because they don't deliver. read more

Tavern style pizza, get it super thin and youve got a winner, goes great with a draft beer and good conversation with your neighbor, have had a run at the main menu and must say everything is delish. read more

Ordered delivery and the sandwich was almost in edible. The bread stuck to the container and was unable to cut the bottom of the bread with a knife. I later felt sick that night. Don't order a sandwich for delivery read more

You got a respect this place fir its neighborhood draw. I walked in and it's like a throwback to the 1960s. Welcomed with a warm hello when I walked in to pick up a pizza. To be honest, the pizza it was not very good at all. It's your typical mediocre crust and flavorless toppings. The pizza wasn't inedible, but it just wasn't a supreme pizza pie. I understand that pizza is all about personal taste. There are many types of pizza. This is one that I just don't prefer. So, that is not to say that you shouldn't order pizza from here. Totally up to you. If anyone reading this knows of a really good pizza in this area of northwest Chicago, please let me know. I have just not found a good one. In fact, I recently purchased The Pizza Bible by Tony Gemignani, and I will be making my own pizza at home from now on. read more

In a city with tons of pizza options, you think they'd be nicer. Owner is a cool guy, but when a lady there is in charge, think her name is Rachelle, I feel like the service lacks, and she's pretty rude. There's better places for pizza and beer in Chicago. Cucina Biagio is close, and so is Suparossa Pizza on Lawrence. Go there for better food, and a much better attitude. I also found some of there pizza's to be a tad pricey for what you get. Go somewhere else guys. read more

The guys that answer the phone are often rude. I've ordered from them several times and three of the four times I ordered the pizza was a little too burnt. I didn't notice until I got home and saw that they put cheese over the burnt parts so that it would be more difficult to notice. The last time I ordered pizza, there was an aftertaste that reminded me of fresh vomit. Never going again. You've been warned. read more

I have NEVER encountered such a rude person as the OLD MAN at the bar. I guess he was bothered by my basic questions, What do you have on draft? Do sandwiches include fries? What type of fries do you have? After he gave me a SMART MOUTH reply - He realized I was upset; he then offered to comp the beer. I said NO THANKS and walked out. Sad, because I just moved in the neighborhood. Earlier in the week I had ordered carry-out and I thought their pizza was extremely salty. NEVER again will I give such an establishment my $$$. read more

Living across the street for years, I said I'll try it and pizza was average at best too many topping made the thin crust soggy and a large for almost $30 for three toppings not worth it. Typical old school menu trying to make too many items but mastering none. Search for better pizza and the bar has some serious professional drinkers makes my liver cry for jesus looking at this crowd. read more

Want a fancy dining area? Go someplace else. Want great pizza at a good price in a real blue collar setting? This is the right place for you. I've had the thin crust with sausage every time I've come and I left full afterwards. Great place for a big get-together with friends or co-workers since you have a large open dining area. Order a pitcher of Coke or whatever you like and have at it! This is what a Jefferson Park eatery should look like. read more

Been picking up pizzas from here for nearly 20 years. When the one pizza chef that has been there for ever works the pizza was really great. There is a new cook now, and when he is working the pizza is awful! The last 2 times we ordered it has been bad the last time we actually threw it out because it was nasty and inedible. It was a pasty, really, really salty mess. When I called to order the pizza , the cook that answered the phone repeated back to me that I wanted it "pie cut" as I was rather emphatic that I wanted the pizza "pie cut" as we really don't like a round pizza cut into squares. Simple request one would think that a pizza pie could be pie cut. See that was me being emphatic! The pizza did not have the ingredients that I ordered and was unbelievably NOT PIE CUT! Based on recent quality issues I gave them back the pizza and asked for my money back which they did. They never apologized and lead me to believe that they really could care less. Sorry to say goodbye after all these years, will have to find a new pizza restaurant I guess. read more

Some really good food. The sub sandwiches are fabulous, and they have a great selection anything from American to Italian ( I suggest the salami and provolone.) The pasta entrees are great as well, all the sauces are homemade, and the spaghetti aglio olio is my absolute favorite. And for some reason, I am really excited over the fact that they offer jalapeno poppers with either cream cheese, or cheddar cheese fillings. But all in all, the place is really great, just remember, when you go in there for carry out, do not make a comment about the guy taking your order and his LA Dodger's hat. Trust me on this one. read more

Delicious soups, decent sandwiches, plenty of choices. They also make their own pizza but I haven't tried it yet. They bake their own bread, too. Very nice people work here, and apparently there are lots of regulars. There's a large dimly lit bar area as well as another adjacent, better-lit but dingy dining area. (I think the food and the prices make up for it.) Lots of TV screens in both areas to keep from getting too bored with your tablemates, although it's mostly if not always sports events. I like the place but it's not the kind of place that will impress anyone for its ambiance. I think the soups are probably the most impressive. They had a sign outside (maybe it's still there) touting 14 soups... but that really means they have 14 recipes which they rotate. Usually there are 2-4 varieties on a given day. That being said, I've never had a soup there that wasn't fabulous. read more

Our new favorite "night in" is to go to Paterno's and hang out in their frequently empty dining area off the bar. We can go and play cards or games or watch something on TV with plenty of room to stretch our legs. The food's solid and the drinks don't cost too much. read more

Great Pizza. Lynette the bartender made me a great Old Fashioned. It was the Best Old Fashioned I've ever

The interior is sparse and brightly lit. Bar service can come off as a little surly. It is all regulars. BUT....the food is delicious. Great specials. Killer pizza. Good pours and fair prices. Add to that, it's very clean, there's never any bullshit (fights, etc.), and their draft beer lines are whistle clean. A nice, no bull, Chicago joint. Thanks Paterno's. read more

This place reminds me of "Cheers", except not as polite. Pizza is very good. Service at the bar if you aren't a local regular can be poor at times. If you can get the bartender's attention away from their conversation with their friends or off their phones, you might even get a drink. Overall, I come here for the food. read more

Paterno's is like good booty call... fast, discreet, tasty, and on occasion, regrettable I just call and say "hey meatball sandwich.. cheese and hot peppers, " 15 minutes later i'm chowing down. Thats the extent of our relationship and I don't want to take it to the next level. read more

Used to go here at least once a week with my coworkers but after realizing that they charged for every little thing like extra sauce or extra salad dressing etc we stopped going and there not really that reasonable priced at all mixed in with the workers additudes we just avoid it now read more

Would be a lot better if there was not always the same creepy old drunk men hanging around inside and outside the place. Kinda ruins it for me. read more

Love the food but didn't love the service. The old guy that takes your order should of retired about 10 years ago. He reminds you of an old mobster that probably personally know Al Capone and maybe worked for him. When you walk in Paternos you feel like you took a step back in time to the 80s. So now onto my review of the food. Had 2 coupons for the incredible beef and fries for 6.99. My God the beefs were so good. My only complaint was that you have to pay extra for hot peppers. It clearly doesn't show on the menu by the sandwiches. You have to go to the sides menu to see that they charge for hot or sweet peppers. All places that charge for peppers put the charge for them by the sandwiches. You shouldn't have to search all over the menu or sneak them in on the sides menu. read more

Nice inside, the cashier was ok alittle spirited when I was inquisitive about pricing and portion sizes. A little too pricey, but this place is usually bustling with customers. I came here on a recommendation from a friend. Looks like a nice place to hang out. Pool tables inside as well. Private parking shared with Foremost liquors. They are doing construction so be wary about getting into the lot. read more

If you're from the NW side of Chicago and you've never seen or heard of Paterno's, then, well...then I guess you haven't heard seen or heard of Paterno's. This prominent restaurant/bar at the intersection of Milwaukee and Central has been doing it for many many many years. The usual crowd consists of neighborhood people - a lot of sports people, motorcycle people, older people smoking outside the front door, loud people, all that good stuff. Italian beef is ok, the pizza is better. Pizza in the neighbohood is abundant, and this is not my #1 place, but it is good. They do not deliver. I mean, they deliver in the sense that they provide good food, but they will not drive to your house and give it to you. Paterno's? Pater-YES! read more

Paterno's has the best pizza in the city. Period. I used to live nearby and ordered from them regularly. I returned last week because I was craving their pizza and it was just as great as always! We ordered the Florida special and the butter base pizza. They also have great soups in the winter. read more

Great Pizza! Ordered sausage and grilled onions came out fantastic! Bartender recommended it! All tried the Incredible beef with sweet and hot peppers..... AMAZING! Italian subs are excellent too! Love this place! Highly recommend it! It's a shame they don't deliver, I would be bankrupt by them read more

Really like Paterno's. They have a nice full menu. I recommend any of the sandwiches such as Eggplant etc. that they add cheese to, they call them Incredibles and are they good. Anyway it is for the most part an old man's bar during the day and strange guys bar later on in the night. Kurt the bartender is a total Jag no doubt about that so don't expect any coddling here just order your drink and don't worry about it! His son is no treat either if u see another younger, tatted up version of The old man complete with shitty attitude. We go there on occasion and sit there quietly watching everyone and making fun of them it's almost like a freak show. Like I said we enjoy the menu so you just have to be in the mood for this place. read more

Paterno's will surprise you. You walk in and figure just another neighborhood bar. But wait, what's this extensive menu I see?? All these sandwiches with "Incredible" as a preface? Yup, the sandwiches really ARE that good. The Incredibel Beef has been my standby for as long as I can remember. Juicy beef on garlic Italian bread with mozzarella cheese...Mmmmmm. Last night I broke from tradition and saw Portabella Cheeseburger on the dry-erase board. Sounded interesting so I gave it a try thinking I would get a mushroom with a slice of American or cheddar cheese. Oh no bucko! This baby came out with sauteed spinach, blue cheese on an onion roll. I've had burgers at restaurants for twice the price that couldn't touch this Vegetarian Bad Boy. Added a basket of fries and a couple of Stiegl drafts and I was feeling good. If you go, always check the dry-erase board for the specials as they are always changing. The pizza is very solid as well. The vibe is always friendly and they have a few good beers on tap like Sam Adams, Guiness, Stiegl (a rare find), and a couple of Leinie's options. read more

I ordered one of the catering packages for my moms surprise party. Everyone loved the food it was fantastic. Reasonable pricing and it stayed hot for a long time. I will definitely be ordering from them for more of my parties. read more

went in and had the eggplant parmigian and two fish tacos. Everything tasted fresh and there are tables to eat there. very neighborhoodish but in a god way. read more

Been comin here since i moved around the area in 2008..I love this place good food good prices on drinks..have thick skin when you come here tho these guys are old school american john wayne types (bartenders) i think theyre awesome but some might get offended by em. read more

The food is the only reason I'm rating this place so high. I've eaten here several times asnd the food has always been good and affordable. But literally the man who takes your order for carryout acts liek he has angry you are calling. It's really dissappointing for a pleace with such food. I'm almost scared to call. As soo nas he picks the phone up its: " What do ya want!" or "go ahead". I'm typically used to people not liking their job but that man flat out is rude!!! Not he best service by any means! read more

Yep, was back here again with my man-friend last night and was pleased again. The bartender was a surprisingly young, good-natured guy and chili was quite tasty. Man-friend had the patty melt and while it slid down our throats with the grease, it was delicious and inexpensive. I do dream of this place having a better beer selection (6 taps with your standard domestics and not much else). Also, there was this crazy-like "regular" guy at the end of the bar who spent a lot of time shouting and jesting with the other "regular" patrons. He wasn't too awful, just a lot of uninvited shouting across the bar. Luckily, someone put money in the jukebox to drown him out, but he was kind of annoying, but I can't blame the bar. Also, 3 girls walked in and were whistled/catcalled at when they walked in, but they waved at the catcallers in a familiar way, so I suspect this was a routine thing between the catcallers and the catcalled. It is not perfect, it has flaws and character issues that need to be accepted, but I'm glad to have a place like this closeby. read more

I'm from Rogers Park. I just moved to northwest side even the I have family living there don't have a regular pizza place, but now I do. Paterno's is excellent great crust quality ingredients and cooked to perfection a little well done. Finally my northwest pizza place they have great sandwiches also read more