4 stars! This place had delicious Chicago Tavern Pizza and some old school sodas which were all great. When you step into it you feel like you stepped into some time warp into the 1970's and like a real life Homer Simpson bar like Moe's Tavern but in real life which kinda makes it even more cool. I would have loved some local Chicago beers on draft or local Chicago beers at all like Old Style and was pretty bummed they didn't have Old Style at all? Had they did I would have given it a 5/5. Price was good and we got a ton of food, will be back for sure! read more

We went to Barnaby's around noon on a Friday and it was fairly busy. Our first surprise was that there is no table service. I ordered and paid for two small pizzas at the counter, and learned I had to go to bar for drinks. The same cashier came over to take my drink order, where I paid separately. In about 15 minutes, our pizzas were ready at the counter: One with only cheese, and the other with sausage. We immediately noticed the ruffled-edge crust, which looked more like a pie for dessert. We both took a bite of each pizza, and immediately disliked the cornmeal crust. It tasted to me like it was made from Jiffy corn muffin mix, with a cardboard-like hardness. My wife disliked it so much she barely ate one small piece of pizza. I liked their cheese and sauce, and especially liked the sausage. I managed to eat two pieces thinking I'll give it a chance, but hated that crust so much I couldn't eat a third piece. There are plenty of other items on their menu other than pizza, which are the only things we will consider for any future visit. The dining room is large with a dark, traditional wood decor. Parking is free in their own lot. Having no table service, other than cleaning tables, logically results in a tip and cost savings. Now that I know this is how Barnaby's operates, I am not down-voting them based on service. read more

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We need more place like this. Probably the best wings I have ever had. And burgers were perfect! Pizza is the best tavern style! Literally brings back all the memories without breaking the bank! I highly recommend this place! read more

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You walk in and seat yourself.... (but not there! That section is closed) menus are on the table to look over. Go up to the cashier, order, get a number. Go to the bar to get any beverages you want, including any soda or water. Wait to be called. Go up, get food, sit down. Wish you maybe went somewhere else. It was very busy when we got there, so that last one might just be me, lol. As a former New Yorker I have to say...the pizza....if you like eating cardboard covered in cheese this is your place. The baked mostaccioli was decent enough, but topped with enough cheese to give you the cheese sweats. It is very much 70's vibes. We were number 120. After them calling 126 a half dozen times I told my husband he better check to make sure that wasn't us...it was. ‍ I thought it looked very clear. Oh well. The pizza was gross. Pasta was kind of good. Overall would not go back unless I was with someone who insisted. I'd try the chicken parm next time, someone a table over had it and it looked good (I do bet there was a lot of cheese on that too). The place pretty much emptied out in the time it took me to get through my cheese so I was able to get some decent interior pictures. Also this is the menu with current (may 2026) prices. read more

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Soooo I get the nostalgia of coming here for a meal especially for those who grew up coming here. Unfortunately, there's better cracker crust type pizza out there. A few nights ago, my son I shared a large sausage pizza. The service was great and everyone was friendly. The pizza itself was nothing special. The crusts reminded me of a frozen home run inn pizza which was disappointing. The sausage was ok and the cheese was sparely on there. I did enjoy their bar as they had Schlitz in a bottle! Score! There is plenty of parking lot spaces available. If you want ok pizza come here especially if you an old school 70's wooden booth type of restaurant. read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - Entrance - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

The amazing pizza. Like no other. The crust is crunchy and contains cornmeal and the sauce to cheese ratio is perfect. Such a comfortable, no frills place. read more

Everyone from the Chicago area has their go-to pizza places. For "tavern cut", this is mine. I've been eating at all the Barnabys locations for as long as I can remember, this is one nostalgic pie! It's been YEARS as I now live a bit too far away, but I was in the area today and had to stop in. This place is a classic. They just don't make places like this anymore. Dimly lit, lots of dark wood, an old school walk up bar for drinks, one looks around let's you know your in the right place. The smell should tip you off first though, I got hungry as soon I walked in thanks to the delicious aroma wafting around in the joint. We got a large sausage pizza with onions and peppers, a classic Chicago combo. It was right during the lunch rush on a Saturday but they know their craft here so we didn't have to wait long. Perfect pie. A thing of beauty. Should have sent a poet. Cooked just right with just the right balance of toppings. The cracker thin crust holds up to all the toppings and keeps its crunch and bite, thanks in part to cornmeal on the crust. All said, Barnabys is an all time favorite of mine and I highly recommend this location! Some notes to end with... get a rootbeer! You can even get a pitcher to go with your pie, it's a perfect combination. This is a counter style place, put it your order at the counter then pick up your food when they call your number. They do clean up after you though, so make sure to tip. The parking lot is a bit tricky to get in and out of so be mindful of that. read more

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It's like stepping into history (pre-Yelp). The dated tavern décor appears virtually unchanged since the Nixon era, ditto the retro menu. Although not exactly pristine, the place is delightful; it's clean and well maintained. Thankfully, even the prices haven't quite kept up with inflation - a soda costs all of $1.50. The term "fast casual" didn't exist back when they opened, but it does describe their business model. There are no kiosks or robots here. You order and pay a human cashier, and a genuine human voice calls your number when your order is ready. You still need to purchase beverages at a separate counter. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. Their signature thin-crust pizza continues to endure as one of the best tavern-style pizzas in the north 'burbs. And their salads have definitely gone up a few notches. read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - Half sausage, green pepper & onion; half pepperoni & green pepper - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

been going to barnaby's forever. at least 35 to 40 years. the pizza and ambiance has not changed. we still stop and takeout. we're in mundelein now . it is a very worthwhile trip!!!!! read more

Barnaby's is a like a beloved local dive bar that you can bring anyone ages 0-100 to without being side eyed! Yes, I love it here. Everyone loves it here. It's cheap. It's cozy. It's delicious. What more could you want? Order the french onion soup. Get a crispy little pizza. Hell order everything on the menu and you still won't break the bank! read more

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My family has been going to Barnaby's in Northbrook for as long as we can remember. The tavern style pizza is always crispy and delicious. It's very consistent and it hasn't changed since I was young. You order everything at the cashier and they bring it out to your table, so there are no formal servers. They also have a walk-up bar with a few drink options. Nice staff and the ambiance inside is dimly lit and classic '70s. It's very nostalgic and has never changed. Family friendly. I have tried other alternative menu items on their menu that aren't pizza and they usually aren't too good. If you stick with the pizza, Barnaby's will never disappoint! read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook has been around forever but it had been a while since we've dined there. Wanting pizza one night we stopped in. Nothing has changed at Barnaby's. You order at the counter and then find a table to wait for your number. The dining room is clean and well maintained but it's a little dated. We ordered the pizza but they have menu of typical pizzeria fare including a full bar. Barnaby's is a good choice if you want a good, inexpensive option for dinner or lunch. read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - Thin sausage and vegetable pizza - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Placed a VERY large pizza order.... surprised not a single box was marked as to the contents and no condiments (red pepper, Parmesan or oregano) was offered. So sad that one can spend over $300 for pizza and not get what is normal/expected. Makes me not want to go back and the response from the manager was very unprofessional and unexpected. 'You have to ask for it'. I was just the guy doing what my wife told me to do...pick up the pizza. No one even asked us if we wanted the boxes labeled or condiments when the order was placed. Never had to ask for a pizza box to be labeled before and never not asked if I wanted any condiments; especially on a large order. And the price...$23+ for a 14" two ingredient pizza. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: we were told that the large pizza serves 2-3 people...WRONG!!! If they are normal 30+ year olds, 4 people. 2-3 if they are teenagers. Had 5 leftover pizzas. Very disappointing. Would like to tell the owner this story....anyone know who the owner is? read more

My family has been going to Barnaby's in Northbrook since the mid 1970s. This place is an original North Shore restaurant that nearly everyone I know (from the North Shore) has visited. The smell, decor, lighting ambience has not changed for many, many years. You place your order at the check in counter, pay, they give you a number. Then go to the bar area to order your drinks. Sit down and wait for deliciousness. The pizza is unique and tasty. Very thin crust makes this a stand out item to order. Over the years, if I didn't get pizza, the spaghetti with meat sauce is a must!! It comes with garlic bread. See pics as I will post them. This is a casual, family friendly restaurant that generations of family's have been enjoying for many years. It's casual, not fancy. The staff are friendly and helpful. What's not to like? Give it a try. read more

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I forgot to take photos of our order on this night. Most likely cause we were 4 very hungry families! Ordered 2 cheese pizzas, 2 veggie pizzas, jalapeño pizza, garlic pizza, 2 fried mushroom, garlic bread, fries and a basket of wings. At the end there were few slices left to take home. I along with my friends grew older enjoying the one in Morton Grove but this night we visited a very busy Northbrook location. Glad we were we able to find tables for about 20. Cant go wrong with the pizza and apps here. I enjoy ordering and picking up the pizza and apps when ready. Additionally, waiting in line for drinks. We will be back for sure. read more

Great pizza at Barnaby's! I stopped in on a Wednesday evening. There were plenty of seats available and the staff was friendly and helpful with their suggestions. I went with the sausage pizza which was thin crust and came with crimped edges. Was unique, super thin and crispy, and very tasty. I recommend checking them out! read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - Sausage - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Always a favorite place for pizza but is noisy at dinner hour. Service was good and friendly staff.

I have been here a couple of times and both the times it was for pizza carryout. This is a popular local restaurant and they are known of their thin crust pizza. The special thing about their pizza is the crispy cornmeal laced crust. It's not everybody's cup of tea but I like it. That crust and Barnaby's pizza sauce make for a good, delicious pizza. It's best eaten fresh and hot. The pizza pricing is reasonable and the service is good. Depending on when you go, there might be a line and you'll have to wait. In my most recent visit, the carryout desk had a long line (but it moved fast). Next time I go to Barnaby's, I want to dine-in and try other items from their menu. Check them out. read more

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Barnaby's in Northbrook is fine overall, but it's not really my style. I'm not a fan of their crust, which is a big part of the pizza experience for me. The rest of the meal was okay, nothing bad, just not something I'd go out of my way for. It's one of those places that works in a pinch, but probably read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook is my go-to place when family members are in town. Everyone loves the pizza and the side dishes are great. It is family oriented and friendly. There's no rush to leave, so conversations are relaxed. I sometimes visit alone to enjoy the spaghetti with meatballs or other delicious entrees. Beer and soft drinks are available, by the pitcher if so desired. Great value all around. read more

This place was pretty well rated and if it weren't for my daughters I would've only treated this a 2 star. First, the tables are too damn small. We were lucky to get a table which was set for 8 but would more comfortably hold 5-6. The thing they probably call a 4 top wouldn't hold all or plates much less pitchers of drinks. My girls liked the chicken tenders and fish. My husband said, "The cheesesteak in Philly is laughing at this.". The fried food just tasted cooked from frozen. It was also too noisy. 2 large birthday parties in a Thursday night. WTF?!? read more

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Family friendly spot and self service. I liked that it was quick to get a table and the food was reasonably priced! The pizza was good but beware that they have both green and black olives. I didn't specify and got green olives which totally changed the taste of the pizza. read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - French Onion Soup Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

My friends and I stopped here when we were in town for curling (the curling club is right around the corner!). I'm so glad we picked this place for lunch! What a vibe! The decor looks like it hasn't been changed in over 40 years, and it was such a fun throwback! Dark wood benches, terracotta colored tiles and back splashes, dark paneling and ceiling... even the bathrooms fit the aesthetic! It's a sit down restaurant, but you do order your food and drinks at a counter (bar and food are separate). So in terms of service, there's not much to expect. Our cashier was friendly enough. The bartender was a bit surly. All of which totally seemed to fit. Food was decent. About as good as expected. A step above fast food or a standard chain. Definitely a home-town feet. I ordered the cheesesteak and it was ok. Not overwhelmingly large, decent cuts of meat, and good pepper/onion to meat ratio. The fries were pretty basic. If I attend another event in town I would eat here again. I'd probably try something different on the menu though. Just based on the experience I would imagine the burger or fish and chips are really good. read more

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Excited to try Barnaby's bases based on people's reviews, but the pizza was far from impressive. It's just another mediocre pizza place charging high prices for a basic pizza. read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - Large pizza. - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

I love this place! A North Shore staple for sure. I've been coming here since I was just a little kid, and lemme tell you, nothing has changed! This is for sure a family oriented restaurant. Lots of kids and it's not a quiet spot at all. Nevertheless, you'll find patrons of all ages here! Order at the counter, head to the bar for drinks, and sit and wait for your number to be called. Some people hate on the pizza crust, but I LOVE it. Classic Chicago tavern style pizza. We also usually get the spaghetti with meat sauce, wings, and french fries. Can't complain about any of it! Not only a great place to bring a family, but budget friendly too! read more

What can I say here that I haven't already said before? I'm a big fan of the thin crispy cornmeal crust at Barnaby's, and judging by the packed parking lot and the constant stream of customers carrying out stacks of boxes, many of you are too. I even saw a firefighter carrying out about 10 pizzas. (Isn't it a known fact that the Fire Dept knows food?) Food - check Service - today's visit pretty quick but it can sometimes take a while Ambience - your neighbor's basement from the 1970s I didn't take many photos because we pretty much order the same thing. But this photo shows our delicious thin crust half sausage and pepperoni with the tangy tomatoey sauce and the crisp cornmeal crust. read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

To be fair, I've never been to this particular Barnaby's but I've been to the one in Des Plaines my whole life I'm 40 and my parents are going there before I was born. We love it. It's our favorite place for pizza. I've even been to the one in Indiana and it was great. Everyone is slightly different has a little bit of their own characteristics, but The layout is generally identical with subtle differences that really make it fun to see each different restaurant. I look forward to visiting this Barnabys this year maybe go see a cubbies game go see Lake Michigan, but getting back to the pizza. This is our favorite Chicago pizza and we had a lot of them and some of the best pizza I ever had was made at home whenever I would make a pizza I would braid the crust just like Barnaby's . read more

We went today around 4:30 to pick up our take out order. Do note that you do need to call to place an order and that they do not have an online ordering system. Their cracker crust is delicious. It is nice and crisp if you like a crispy thin pizza crust. The wings came with sauce on the side which is perfect for if you want it to stay crispy (I do!). We also got a side of fries and it came super loaded for only $2.25! Their prices are very fair and affordable compared to other spots. They are pretty busy so usually we get take out rather than dine in. the ambiance is really cute and nice as a simple pizza spot. they also have a bar area. If you are dining in be prepared to wait or come early to get seats! Overall the experiebce is great! read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - Pizza with sausage, mushroom, and onions - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

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Pizza is a hit or miss! The mozzarella sticks are decent. I would reconsider who they have behind the bar and greeting, but to each their own. There's somewhere for everyone read more

Amazing food. Great staff and always busy! I appreciated the tips that told me to walk in and take a seat then order pizza and drinks in separate lines. I looked like a pro when I walked in. The lights were dim; great environment for a first date or family time. read more

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This place is simply amazing!!! One of the best places to get a thin crust pizza. It's been here for years and still strong!!!!

The absolute best pizza in all of Chicagoland. Tavern-style is my favorite, of course it's a debate between Chicagoans which is best for deep dish, Lou's or Giordano's, but real Chicagoans know that tavern style is the true winner. My family has been going to Barnaby's since the 1970's and a lot of the time, places change with the times-- whether it's a change of recipe, owners, or whatever else, but Barnaby's of Northbrook has never changed their perfection. I just took a couple coworkers to Barnaby's the other day, one of which is in town from Georgia, the other is from the South Side of Chicago for training that we are doing and I was so ecstatic that both of them absolutely loved the pizza. Barnaby's continues to be my favorite pizza in the entire state of Illinois and in the country. It brings back memories of going there with my mom and grandmother, the former doesn't live in IL anymore, and my grandma is now deceased. In conclusion, I cannot state enough good things about Barnaby's and their continuing of their delicious pizza and other foods. read more

Went to Barnaby's for the first time and it was pretty solid. The food was solid overall. For 7 people, we ordered 3 large pizzas, nachos, and onion rings and it was the perfect amount of food. The nachos were good but not spectacular. The onion rings were awesome and very crispy. The three pizzas we did were 1) cheese, 2) pepperoni, 3) jalapeno, onion, mushroom. All were good, but my favorite was the jalapeno onion and mushroom. The pizza uses a corn meal crust and is pretty unique compared to other tavern style pizza in Chicago. The restaurant itself is really cozy and has some character. The one issue I had was there is no wait staff for a sit down restaurant. You have to order your food at one counter and your drinks at the bar. Appetizers were ready at the order counter, pizza came out of a separate little window and you have to walk your drinks to your table yourself which was inconvenient because we ordered 2 pitchers of beer, 1 pitcher of coke, and one pitcher of water. We also had to keep going up to the counter after for random things you would assume would be put on every table (plates, utensils, crushed pepper). They did have one worker cleaning tables as people got up so people sitting down would have a clean table. Good dinner overall. Will definitely go back. read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - Nachos, cheese pizza, Pepperoni Pizza and pizza with jalapeno, onion, and mushroom. - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

First time trying pizza here and I have to say I was satisfied! Came with my family and there were 8 of us. The concept is self serve. You find your own seating, order at the register, and pick up your own order. You order food in one spot and all drinks come from the bar. With a larger family, we got lucky a big party was just leaving when we arrived otherwise it would have been a pain trying to find seating as the place is crowded and not much standing space. So it would be nice if you at least had someone in front that's a hostess who seats people even if everything else is self serve. The other way they can make this concept better is to have online ordering vs waiting in line to order. Would save time, space, and even reduce the need for someone at the register. The pizza here is a thin pizza with a crispy zig zag crust. I've never seen a crust like this and it was perfect with the thin pizza. Tastes almost like a pie crust! We got a pie with just cheese, pepperoni, and one with jalapeños + onions + mushroom. They were all very good and cooked just right to be soft and crunchy. Only thing I did wish was that they had put more toppings on the veggie pizza since you pay almost $2 per topping and I barely had any jalapeños. We also got onion rings and nachos. The nachos could have been much better..... needed more cheese and toppings. Onion rings were very delicious, but should come with a marinara or ranch sauce not just ketchup. Each table should also just have a little basket thing in the middle with cutlery, napkins and the shakers like Parmesan cheese & crushed red pepper. Makes no sense to keep going to the bar to grab this stuff. Overall, 4 stars because the food was good but the set up can be improved. read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - 'Zas! Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Jalapenos + onion + Mushrooms - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

The pizza is definitely different than most pizza joints so you need to try Barnaby's. We've had this pizza several times. Everyone remarked they've never had this type of pizza before. One of my colleagues craves it. The crust is ridged and crunchy so for those that don't like crust this is probably accept for y'all. The pizza is thin and I think I have to eat most of the large pizza to get full if that was all that I was having. I usually don't get thin crust so maybe that's expected? Wish they had an extra large size since the Large only feeds three adults (but was fine for the four kiddies that ate it on takeaway this time around). I even snuck a corner or two from. The pizza while they were not watching. I liked the sausage, it was savory but not spicy. I wouldn't mind ordering again since it's a quality pizza, just not my favorite type. read more

Barnaby's of Northbrook - Large sausage (feeds 3 hungry adults) - Pizza Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Took over an hour to get food. Staff rude and taking their sweet time. Forget this place

OMG! This is it! Pizza like I haven't tasted in over 50 years! Cheese, sausage, crust, sauce - all perfection. On the downside, Pizza Quest 2025 continues since I'm too old to drive 35 miles every time I want a pie. read more

The food is always usually decent. This time we ordered some sides/apps, a sandwich and a large sausage pizza. The apps come out first. They were good but I noticed they were a bit more brown than normal from the deep fry. When another table got theirs it was definitely less browned and looked better than the over fry we got. Busy for a weekend evening as always but there was space available at the tables. read more

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Me and my friend got dinner here last night after work, after ordering and sitting down with our drinks, a man with black hair with blonde highlights thru his hair kept staring at me and my friend the entire time we were there. I'm not talking like he looked at us a few times, I'm talking a death stare across the restaurant the whole time we ate. I felt super uncomfortable, unwelcome and it pretty much ruined my meal. Maybe it's because I'm a younger looking man, drinking a beer, but it is absolutely utterly unacceptable to stare at customers and make them feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. Will not be returning to this location. read more

We came at 9 pm on a Saturday night. Even though they close at 10 pm, the crew was cleaning the kitchen and dining room aggressively; on a summer Saturday! And of note there were large buckets scattered around the dining room where rain was dripping through the roof. It splattered on my arm as I went to pick up my pasta from the counter and who knows whether it was flavoring the ingredients in the back. Though the guy at the cash register was counting the cash drawer, he pleasantly took our order for the Baked Mostacolli and a small mushroom pizza. Service was fine because the restaurant was nearly empty. However unless you're a person who likes the sound of clinking coins, rumbling dishes and mops I wouldn't come here within 90 minutes of closing time. The smell of bleach and cleaning chemicals added to the uncomfortable experience. I remember the food distinctly from the last time I came here, pre-Covid pandemic, and how much I liked the pizza crust in spite of everything else being an old beat up mess. This time everything sucked! Clearly they have cheapened the ingredients. The pizza crust was bland, the tomato sauce bitter and the cheese similarly salty and lacking flavor on the pie. The mostacolli tasted like the pasta came out of a box and I swear the bolognese came from Chef Boyardee. I remember the taste of spaghetti-o's from nursery school and this was it! Indeed, they make better italian food in the local elementary school cafeteria. All in all the entire visit was disappointing and I expect later tonight that the food will be incompatible with my digestive tract. I will be taking Pepto-Bismol and Tums in an attempt to ward off the impending doom. Wish me luck, I will need it! read more