I've gone past this place a million times and tried the food for the first time last night. What have I been missing!? Had the "everything" stuffed pizza. AMAZING! I'm a Chicago native and love me some good pizza-- this stands with some of the finest in town. Go figure, this unassuming little neighborhood place will surprise you. I can't say anything about the wait, delivery or dining area as I wasn't the person who picked up the food (I was the one lazily waiting at home while my partner picked it up for me!). When it comes to the pizza itself, however, YUM! Two thumbs up! read more

The motto here is bigger is better! Piping hot slices straight from the oven. Humongous italian beef sandwiches they are a bang for a little buck like seriously it's a must try! Also try out the pizza puff it's seriously huge. read more

If you want to find horrible pizza in Chicago, this is the place. I had better frozen pizza, maybe it was a bad day but the crust was not done. It was not a well constructed pizza and was stingy with the sauce and cheese. read more

I ordered the burrito dinner and upon taking a bite of the refried beans, i found a piece of a brown paper bag mixed in with them. I alerted management but they seemed not to be concerned. They apologized and moved on. When an establishment treats the customers as of they are expendable and do not matter they will always lose. This place seemed to be more concerned about how many orders it could churn out. read more

Damenzo's Pizza - Where i found the piece of paper mixed in with the beans. - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I ordered chicken and I didn't get all my chicken and I called and they went off on me I didn't want extra chicken I was just letting them know that was like the second time that had happened but I will never order from them because the are unprofessional. read more

So the reviews here are good. I've avoided this place for almost 2 years and decided to finally give it a go since I had been everywhere on Taylor street. I had some warnings from some people, but I figure why not. First of all, no one knew where to place their order. I stood there until someone decided to help me. 2 people ended up taking my order. I tried to order a fountain drink and the 1st person taking my order said ... "I think you should get the CAN of lemonade." So I did. I really wanted a pizza puff, but not for $7.99, of which then I found out was a whole calzone, not a pizza puff at all. Misleading. I ordered the "Jumbo Burger" with cheese, and an order of small cheese fries. I noticed a lot of fries just sitting in the baskets behind the counter looking hardened from the grease from sitting there. At this point I was told "It's going to be 15 minutes for the burger." It took me a while to decide on that, so I decided to wait it out and burn a large chunk of my lunch hour. Then you walk over to one of two rooms to wait for your food. The floors are DIRTY. The last room appears to be part of the taco place but they merged. Different people kept appearing out the back to bring food out, and also deliver the food to the incorrect tables, making customers very angry. I noticed someone waiting for their food when I got there, and when I was done, she was still waiting for her food and very angry. The place was not packed, and they seemed very disorganized and out of control. One of the people bringing out the food, a customer had addressed a complaint to him. I didn't hear what the customer had asked, but loudly the Damenzo's employee said "I'm just trying to do my *explict word* job". This set a bad tone... not to mention the show "Cheaters" on the television adding to the negative experience. First my burger arrived. It was large. The bun was greasy. The burger patty was charred to a crisp. I also noticed the lettuce had very little color and was limp (old) and the tomato was old looking as well. Hardly any ketchup. I bit into the burger, only to experience a charred rubbery "this burger is old and has gone bad so we better over cook the heck out of it" flavor. I was very hungry too, but I had to force down what I had. 5 minutes later, the plate of fries arrive. The small fry was on a large plate and probably was equal to about 4 orders of fries to feed a family. The cheese was dumped on top of it - and the cheese was visually unappealing - and a metal fork stabbed into the middle of it standing up. I took a bite of a fry with the cheese on it. I'm sorry, that's not cheese. It didn't taste like cheese. It looked off-yellow, but had no flavor and just stuck to my mouth making me panic and grab my can of Brisk lemonade. I gave it a go without the sauce and the fry was inedible - it was a miniature grease-trap with potato somewhere in it, and should have not been served. I dug in to find a better looking fry and the same thing - a mini grease trap of old grease flavor. INEDIBLE. Not feeling to well as I write this after eating there. I've had better food from a food truck/roach coach. Service, atmosphere and food get an "F-". FAIL. They do have an award on the wall for "Best Burrito in Chicago" from FOX in 2005. Well, it's 2011. Based on the old reviews I've read, things have changed. The west-end of Taylor St. by Western Ave. is a tough spot, but Damenzo's fails to even come up as "safe" or slightly below average. read more

I've had a taste for pizza - so I decided to get a slice at lunch. You would think that good pizza is a given in Little Italy - uh, no. Any place around here that sells slices makes mediocre pizza - at best. I had not been to Damenzo's in YEARS so I figured I would go back for a slice see if it was any good..now I know why I had not been back. This place is a friggin zoo at lunch - no system, order, of even a hint that anyone cares about the chaos of just trying to order. Friggin' disaster. It's was damn free for all! U can't tell who ordered from who was waiting for their food. Two huge menus - neither lists slices of pizza as an option, but they did have a Mexican Food section ?? so I had to ask whether they still sold slices. No clear indication of whether there was a line somewhere - can't figure out where to pay - let alone where the hell do I wait for my food?? As far as the pizza - ew. Yes, it's a big slice - but bigger isn't better, it's just bigger - and this big slice of cheese pizza was a waste of $4. As I waited for my food, I see a guy walk over to the oven with a pizza box and pull out a nasty old slice of pizza and threw it in the oven - yep, you guess it - I got a nice big slice of reheated pizza Not even a slice that was sitting under a heat lamp - this looked like it was the last slice from last night's frat party. So after the counter person yells at me that my slice was ready - I received a brown paper bag, with my reheated slice of pizza sitting on a piece of wax paper - obviously folded in half to fit in the bag...which it barely did - the tip was protruding from the bag. Now, I know I shouldn't be too picky about packaging, but it's getting chilly out, and I have to walk to my office with this paper bag. Of course - you guessed it - pizza was cold by the time I get back to the office. And the clincher - it tasted worse than a frozen pizza. UGH...NEVER AGAIN! I guess if I want good pizza I should venture anywhere BUT Little Italy. read more

This is a disgrace to the tradition of Chicago Pizza. I was up late at my hotel while in town and opted to try Damenzo's since it was open late and delivered. As a former Chicagoan, I love and miss genuine Chicago pizza. I ordered a deep dish pepperoni. Such a disappointment: flavorless crust with no body or depth, mediocre sauce and cheese. It was more like a NY-Style pizza jammed into a pan and then baked. Not worth the $20 I paid for it. Do yourself a favor and choose another pizza place in town: almost any option would be better. read more

Where do I start with this place????? First of all, we ordered a pepperoni and sausage pizza with "buffalo" wings and a side of fries. Got home to eat the food, found that the pepperoni pizza wasn't even pepperoni, it was just cheese pizza that they just threw pepperoni pieces on. And it was so obvious since the pepperoni curled upwards. On top of that both pizzas were slightly cold. Moving on to the "buffalo" wings and fries, the wings upon opening were drenched in so much buffalo sauce that you could barely taste chicken. The chicken tasted so old, it was like they left it out in the desert to dry out for 2 days and clearly used the sauce to hide it. The fries were just pure mush. We called the manager to get a refund, normally it'd be courteous for a manager to say, "oh I'm sorry, you can come in and we can replace the order for you". Instead, this manager starts arguing with us in such a demeaning tone, talking about how they never give fresh pizza unless it's a whole one, and that it was in fact pepperoni pizza. Just the nerve, and finally says, "well if you don't like it bring it back and I give you your money", definitely never going there again. This isn't coming from a one time customer, I've given this place so many chances but enough is enough. Complete waste of money, frozen home run inn has tasted better. read more

Damenzo's Pizza - This is how much sauce they put on the "buffalo" wings. The wings tasted like it was in the desert for 2 days and dumped it in sauce - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

TOTAL WASTE OF TIME. I just got off the phone, after talking to a lady with a bad aditude, THEN I talked to a manager, who couldnt tell me about HIS OWN MENU! He also had a difficult time speaking English.I can't tell you what the food tastes like, because I wasn't able to order. I was told to call Ricobenes, when I asked him how the breaded steak was made and how it compared to theirs I would NOT waste my time or efort ever with a restuarant like this. i ran a restuarant for over 9 years. I NEVER had a customer post any bad reviews about MY place! read more

This is some amazing homemade tasting, old school Chicago thin crust pizza. One of the original 'giant slice' places, their quality is head and shoulders above their imitators. Damemzos is the perfect definition of a real deal Chicago neighborhood joint and that 'hood is west-taylor street/UIC/medical-law-triangle-zone-area. Sometimes they can be insanely busy with long wait times but that goes for any good pizza place. Discovered them while going to UIC and have been ordering from them for 15 years. Hands down one of the best old school pizza places and a prime example of Chicago style thin crust. read more

On my way here for lunch, I thought to myself, I thought; "self, you may want to get two slices instead of one, 'cause you're pretty hungry." Then I saw the slices as I passed through the dining room. Yikes! They are huge. So I ordered a slice of sausage and a coke. Five bucks. The pizza is what I would describe as "deep thin crust" or a cross between thin crust and deep dish. The crust is fairly thick and bready, and on the under-cooked pale side. But good. And the sauce, which is tasty, is also on the heavy side, along with the cheese. Because of its thickness, you can't really fold it like a New York slice. I would recommend bringing your own rolling slicer and cutting in half lengthwise. And maybe some real utensils, because there is no eating it with the teensy plastic fork and knife they give you. SNAP! But I enjoyed it and it sure was a good value. I loved the big globs of sausage. Tasty! As it turned out, I couldn't even eat the once slice, along with downing the big Coke. This is one of those ma and pa Taylor Street places that just has inherent charm and friendliness (and America's Funniest Videos on the TV at lunch time.) It's self-service. You order at the counter with a nice legible menu above you. There is even a dedicated Vegetarian section. Sub sandwiches, pasta, regular Italian entrees, and of course pizza, most items below $10.00. After you order, you wait on a bench, and take your grub to a table in your choice of dining rooms. Wish I had a more informal, inexpensive Italian like this in my neighborhood. It's just a very comfortable spot. read more

I often order delivery with my co-workers, and remind everyone to not order pizza. The pizza is very very thin and has no taste. When you order please try the pizza puff, (sausage, black olives and mushrooms)it cost about $6.00 and can feed 3 people. The steak tacos are great also, just tell them to add sour cream and avocado. read more

Damenzo's Pizza is good...in fact, it's very good...But since discovering their Italian Beef, I have no desire for pizza when going or ordering from there! This is definitely a two fisted, two meal sandwich...piled high with only the best beef...get it topped with cheese and some gardinara...and dipped until it's soggy with gravy...then eat the first half with a fork and hide the other half in the fridge for lunch tomorrow! read more

Screw this place. Rude AF, sad pizza, and there's a Bacci 1 block away. I recommend all to skip the rudeness and mediocre pizza and head to Bacci's. read more

Slice is so big it's bigger than a 12 inch pizza and takes 2 hands to manage, Yes better than bacci, Thee biggest slice in Chicago, As far as taste..... Pronto za is close but I'll pick Damenso's if I had to. And yes the beef is good but not even close to the best, Sloppy too, Bring a fork. read more

Damenzo's used to be the place for pizza, but now they give POOR SERVICE!! If I'm paying $43 for a delivery, then I think bringing it to the porch is only fair! What in the hell do I, a woman look like going to the car to get my order??!! REALLY?!!! And the "manager", Sergio says that drivers don't have to get out of car!! What kind of "delivery" is that??!! All of the drivers from there that have delivered before got out of car, and brought order to porch (and we order all the time), but this time....and to the drivers, I'm sorry you're afraid of the dangers that go with delivery, but if you're that scared, perhaps another line of work is order in!!! You've lost a valued customer Damenzo's!!! read more

Bad service , called 50mins before they closed to pick up a small pizza and was told it was too late!!!! WTF it takes 15mins to make.... Will never call them again read more

Cheats. Be weary of being charged twice on your cards. I ordered a chicken cheese pizza for $10. My card was charged twice. When I took up this issue with the manager after 2 days, he confronted my claims. read more

I learned of this place on Facebook and after hearing about the Italian beef I had to try it once. I am glad I did, it was pretty tasty. I got the jumbo beef sandwich dipped with hot giardiniera and mozzarella with an order of fries. It was ready pretty quickly so I didn't have a long wait which was good because all of the parking around there is metered. When he handed me the bag and informed me that it was hot so be careful, I was wondering if all of that was my order. The bag seemed to be pretty big for just a beef and order of fries. When I got home and saw the size of the beef sandwich I was like of my goodness, it was huge. That beef sandwich lasted for 3 meals, it was just that big. It was more than big enough to share with friends, and at $10 you can all chip in and it'll be pretty cheap. I am looking forward to going back and trying their calzone. It is a must try if you are a lover of Italian beefs like I am. read more

Damenzo's Pizza - Super Italian Beef dipped with hot peppers and mozzarella cheese - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Only use cash with these oddballs. I used a credit card, was charged for the pizza, although damenzos claims it was declined. It was not declined and they did not deliver my food, and I had to spend hours on the phone with my bank to dispute the charge. Still waiting for my money back. As far as I am concerned this place scammed me for 14.92. The girl on the phone was telling me it will go through then she said it was declined, and then she said this happens all the time. I will never order from here again. read more

Awesome Chicago Style Stuffed Pizza! Out local go to pizza joint... not great atmosphere, a total delivery or carry out place, but the food is awesome! read more

Screw going to the Bacci across the street - Damenzo's fo life. They offer the same type of menu - greasy & cheap, but it is definitely better here. Also, they have a very wide delivery area, so even if you live in wicker park they'll bring you a pie. I am rating this based on the fact that it's a greasy pizza joint - and it is good for what it is. It's not some spectacular 5 star dining, so come here if you want some hangover food, to gain a few pounds, really like pan pizza, or need to end your life early through eating. :) read more

My husband and I drove from far away to check out all the hype on the jumbo Italian beef. This place was definitely not a let down the beef was huge about 16.00 bout well worth it. We split it and had left oversee for the following day, plus it really had a good flavor. Thank you Damenzo's we will be back to try one of those giant pizza slices. read more

The pizza tasted delicious and it's huge! They have a good selection of food like pastas, pizza, even turkey burgers lol. I will be coming back, but just remember to bring cash because they do not accept credit cards! read more

My girlfriend took me to this here the other day, she said they had the best beefs she ever had, and her taste buds were lying to her...I mean the beefs weren't bad, but it wasn't the best....It was like the beef was missing some seasoning or something....Also when there's ten other people eating inside the restaurant it's best to take the food with you because it's too crowded read more

Love these Italian Stallion Owners!! They are always good to me! Every single time I walk in there. It's like they knew I was new to the neighborhood or something... Their food is Very good. the Pizza is Delicious!! Interesting that they have combined their foods with the Papi's Taco's from Western but ok.. I eat at Papis as well so it's a one stop Shop!! They deliver so it's a PLUS but make sure that you tally up your check correctly before you get off of the phone (Check the menu at grubhub.com if you don't have one in hand) as the cashier may overcharge).. They can get pretty busy however it's well worth it and the wait is never that long. Their Italian beef is GREAT!! so is the FISH.. YUM YUM read more

They charge an extra $1 for green peppers on a Philly cheesesteak and don't even put mushrooms in it. I used to love coming here but they charge extra for everything now and nothing comes with sides read more

The staff does not communicate with each other. I saw the cook come out and ask the people waiting what their orded was. The food is good at times, it's not consistently good. It's would be a while before I'll go back again. read more

Placed order for delivery, on time, was still hot. Pizza was so good, loved the sauce. Toppings were very generous.

Ordered slice of cheese pizza and the large Italian beef in the pan with mozzarella cheese. The pizza was way over cooked. Burnt cheese on the sides and the bottom was so hard. The Italian beef was great. But the employee behind the counter was literally DIGGING in her nose as we were ordering and a customer behind us said something and she still continued to stand there and do it. Disgusting. Makes me question how sanitary this place is. read more

The service is terrible ,got 2 slices with a friend both of our slices had someone behind that counters hair in them .. Heard a guy behind the counter yelling at a customer that had a delivery on the phone .. This place is a mess .. A shame to its close to home. read more

If your looking for a big homemade pizza puff this is the place to go! They are soooooo good! Bet you can't finish one in single sitting.

What an awesome place! We went to Chicago yesterday for a Dr. Appt. When I asked the girls at the University of Illinois, they said the best pizza was Damenzo's . Not only was the pizza great, but they go above & beyond for their customers. We needed a ride back to Union Station & when I asked if they could call us a cab, the manager had Jose, one of their delivery drivers give us a ride! Thanks Jose, & thanks Damenzo's for being so nice. We really appreciated your kindness!! Robin & Perry, Kewanee, Il. read more

NEVER AGAIN!!!!! This place is a terrible place to order pizza especially if you're getting it delivered. I order a pizza I waited one hour when the delivery guy finally arrived he brought the wrong order it took me ten minutes to get intouch with someone from the restaurant, Finally when they finally answered they were very rude I waited an additional 30 minutes for a new pizza the pizza arrive the pizza was cold the fries were cold and they brought the wrong drink. Third time ordering here and last time every time I order I had a bad experience the workers are rude and unprofessional. read more

At this Damenzo's they're verrry rude and on top of their rudeness, I this is the 3rd time I found hair n my food I only order on night shift I don't know bout fayz,but it's useless talking 2the night shift manger about the terrible service n I'm or was a loyal customer: (uh read more

Talk about a huge slice of pizza. I go there when I have taste for a calzone but they call it pizza puff there. It's a medium pizza folded in half. I can never eat one of these by myself but I like to take the leftovers for lunch, and it's cheap. I don't necessarily like to eat here though because it does not look as clean. read more

Oh Damenzo's. How I remember the good times in my teenage years: Then: When I was 15 me and my sister got summer jobs walking distance from damenzos. That was how I discovered it. we would eat here 2-3 times a week and loved it every time. fresh pizza, huge slices, friendly staff. Now: I am 36 now. Being back in Chicago for a special event I decided to go old school and check out Damenzos. BAD DECISION! I went in and theres handmade signs on the walls touting the "specials" on the food. the flood was visibly unswept and oily from not being mopped every night. and get this.... THE SAME 19 INCH TV I USED TO WATCH WHEN I WAS 15 IS STILL ON THE WALL, IN IOPERATION!!!! Come on guys, get into the 21st century please. I walked towards the counter while the guy behind the counter repeatedly yelled "Whose next!" wow. can I get a "can I help you" or "hello"? I got to the counter and ordered a slice or pizza. they took the money, gave me change, and proceeded to pull 1 of 4 slices of pizza from a box sitting on the side of the oven. I thought "relax, its old and cold. that's not being brought to me." They walked the slice over to the oven, reheated it for about 90 seconds, and put it in a bag. as he walked towards me I turned my head on purpose to ignore the fact that he was walking my way. Then I heard PLOP..."whose next!" yep. it was mine. one crusty, old, dry, partially reheated slice of pizza. I walked out disappointed but more so feeling embarrassed that I took the time to come here when I had so many dining options in the heart of river north. So much for memories.... goodbye Damenzos. read more

In high school, I used to be able to order a slice and a soda for $2.25. If that weren't enough to make me love them, the slices are HUGE!! In my opinion, they're more like personal pizzas, and the price can't be beat. read more

I don't know, Damenzo's is cool because it's right down the street from my place and the pizza is decent although I have definitely had better. I think the food could be AMAZING if they got some good employees rather than the apathetic hoodrats that they have working there currently. read more