Parlor Pizza Bar River North — Restaurant in Chicago

Hands down one of the best experiences I have had in Chicago. We came to grab food and chill for a bit but this place gave us way more than just good food. The drinks were amazing. The bartender really knows how to mix a proper drink. The burgers and fries were honestly some of the best I have had in the city. Everything was fresh and packed with flavor. And the fries were that perfect crispy kind where you do not even need sauce.

The staff inside was super friendly and made us feel welcome the second we walked in. But the real MVP of the night was Charles, the security guy working out front. We did not even know him. We just saw him standing outside and started asking him questions before deciding if we wanted to go in. And right away, he was cool, respectful, and made us feel safe and welcome. Unlike a lot of security guards in Chicago who act stiff or rude, Charles had a calm professional vibe with a great sense of humor. He even pointed out the best spot to park so we would have an easier time next visit.

Because of him, we decided to sit outside instead of anywhere else. The weather was perfect but honestly it was just because we felt comfortable around him. It felt like we were posted up near someone we had known for years even though we had just met him. We wanted to be able to chat again if we felt like it and that energy he gave off is what made the whole place feel more like home.

I even recorded a quick Snapchat video with him. I hit record and said something like “out here with my boy you know what’s going on we at pizza parlor come slide” and Charles just looked up at the camera confused for a second like “who is this guy” but then he smiled and laughed. He was holding his little radio wire thing he talks into for security and just gave this look like he was caught off guard but in a funny way. It might look like we are boys in the video but truth is I do not even know him like that. He just had that kind of energy that made you feel like you did. He played along and was a good sport about it which made the whole moment even better.

To whoever runs this place, if you are reading this, Charles is someone you want to keep around. He made our night better without even trying. He was not just doing his job, he was creating a vibe that made your business stand out. Give that man a raise or some kind of recognition because we are definitely coming back and a big part of that is because of him. He made us feel safe in a city where that is not always guaranteed and did it with professionalism, personality, and a smile.

Ten out of ten for the food and drinks, but eleven out of ten...

My experience at this establishment last Friday was one in which I was gifted the Excel in the word excellence. The outstanding staff and ambiance and food are most remarkable with the only thing lacking being my insufficient wording to relate to others that this is the destination you are seeking for an adventure with views, taste, decor, a kitchen staff who offers not only incredible delicate pleasure for your taste buds but also with a professional presentation. I was so touched by the kindness of the hostess Tonya and my server Gina who is the epitome of hope for the future as it is her generation that must hopefully carry on what my generation has sought to implement for the advancement and betterment of our neighbor's lives. I had a burger instead of pizza as this became my mood having had pizza the day before elsewhere. The burger was outstanding and the fries were hot and they stayed hot whereas in most establishments fries lose their appeal within moments. I knew I had to speak to the manager to express how fantastic this experience was and Gina sent Tonya who happened to be the manager. NOW that says something. Most managers are nowhere to be seen which is why you wait wondering where they are when you request a moment to share a thought. Tonya is dedicated to her choice of career. I don't want to say job as this woman excels (there's that word again) at making sure the friend (not guest) is having the most satisfactory luncheon or dinner. I am so pleased to have crossed their paths. God bless them and the line cooks, bussers and food runners all of whom were very very kind. Thank you all! (One final note. You never know whose life you are impacting with your kindness. I will not go into details but I am seriously ill and my time here lifted me up because of...

Monday, May 5, 2025 I took a friend who I had not seen in over 1 year to dinner at the River North location and unfortuantely we both got very sick within hours of eating there. When I contacted managment to let them know, Patrick Comer with Parlor Hosiptiality Group in essence said "We take food handling procedures very seriously, following HACCP guidelines to ensure that all of our food is safe." and said they would investigate thoroughly and that we were th only customer s to report getting sick after eating there that evening. As I shared with Patrick, my friend and I ate portions of exactly the same three food items. We chose to let the Parlor know as we were up all night sick. Per Patrick, I essentially needed a doctor's note to prove it was a food borne illness -- "Unfortunately, the only way to determine if symptoms are from a food borne illness is by testing by a doctor. If you were treated by a doctor and were told you tested positive for a food borne illness please let us know as soon as possible so we can take the appropriate action." I do not live in Chicago, was staying at a hotel and did not know the area, let alone I do not know where the nearest hospital is and was in no condition to leave my room. Plus, what are the chances that two people who do not live with one another and haven't seen each other in a year, end up massively ill with the same sympotoms within and hour of eating at the Parlor Pizza. When I simply asked Patrick to reimburse us for the food via email, not for the 3 alcoholic beverages, there was no response. I even called and left a voicemail - no response. $68.25 (food only) reimbursement of a $153.03 bill would have been a nice offer. Instead, this bought them a former customer who will never...