Gullivers Pizza and Pub
2727 W Howard St, Chicago, IL, 60645
Gullivers Pizza and Pub Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Chicago for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
2727 W Howard St
Chicago, IL, 60645 - Phone (773) 338-2166
- Website https://www.gulliverspizza.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 11
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Lisa A.
I've had an off again on again relationship with Gulliver's for the past 30 years. It's been around forever and my husband remembers a day when the parking lot was always full and they had to have security to monitor the parking situation. I'm not a fan of the atmosphere, the fixtures are very old, but not well kept and very dusty appearing. The servers wear black but the hostesses and others that work in the restaurant don't seem to have uniforms but can wear anything, and I mean anything grungy and all. Not appetizing to look at... That being stated, I found the server to be friendly and accommodating. I found the prices to be reasonable and they have daily specials on drinks as well as food items. I came on a Sunday and used my Groupon which was a great deal because that is the only day there is no food deals. Our bill would normally be at $35 and we ended up paying only $22 so I would definitely recommend the Groupon on a weekend. Now the big deal is the pizza, because it is often compared to Pequod's and Burt's and if I had to choose I would come back to Gulliver's for the pizza since I found the pizza to be comparable to each other. Not a big difference, all have thick crunchy and crisp crusts but at least Gulliver's have nice tables and booths whereas Pequod's is pretty grungy inside and Burt's is even worse as far as the atmosphere. Then you have to deal with Burt's bizarre reservations and reserved orders issues. Besides their pizza, there salads are really good. Better than at Pequod's and Burt's. I love anchovies and they offer that with their Italian salad. They have a good garbage salad too. All in all right now, I have a on again relationship with Gulliver's!
(4)Erick R.
When I was a kid, living in the southwest suburbs, my dad used to bring this pizza home sometimes when he had to work in the area. Even after sitting in his car for 45 minutes, it was still our favorite pizza. It changed ownership in the past decade, and I was worried for a while. But today I had a pizza that was just like I remembered. The Pizza in the Pan is a Chicago classic!
(5)Jaime G.
This place is a trip. Come here for a drink just to check it out. The decor is mid evil and antique with a very old European feel. Then try the pizza. Decent but would not come here just for it. They specialize in pan pizza and we tried the thin pan with pepperoni. We also had the spinach salad with bacon, artichoke hearts and egg. Music is interesting by the way. Listening to Metallica as I write this. Def would come back for the unique feel and family friendly environment and a craft beer (they had half acre daisy cutter when I was here...on tap). Outdoor area looks cool too - want to come when the weather gets warmer.
(4)Lord L.
I have been coming to Gullivers my entire life. My grandparents lived in the neighborhood and we used to eat there a few times a year. I ate there last Sunday at 5:30 with my extended family for my son's college graduation, a group of 11 and the food was great. We got two extra large deep dish pizzas and they were just how I remember them, delicious! The service was not good. We waited a while, maybe 10 minutes before our waiter came over, it was so long that my sister sent my niece to the front counter to ask for menus, but that was nothing compared to the rest of the meal. We would see the waiter and then he would disappear. I don't mean that he would pass us by, I mean we would not see him anywhere for 10 minutes at a a time! My brother in law ordered a beer, which was forgotten, then brought at the end of the meal when we reminded the waiter that we never got it. We brought a cake and when we asked for plates and some more forks. He brought out a stack of plates, but no forks. He was nowhere to be found, so my sister went and grabbed forks for us. She also had to get up to ask them for boxes for the leftovers. My father wanted coffee at the end of the meal and I don't even remember if he got it, but he sure talked about it for a long time! It was just a frustrating experience, but like I said, the food was good. I'll go back and try again.
(2)Ashley H.
My brother and I have been wanting to try Gullivers Pizza and Pub for a while now since we live so close to the Chicago location. Last night we had dinner there with our parents and had a good time. Upon walking in it was a little quiet (not too surprising for a Sunday night) and one section of the restaurant was cleaned up like they were closing for the night. We were seated promptly and our server was great. I ordered the thin crust pizza with two toppings (mild sausage and spinach) to share with my mother, my brother ordered the Gourmet Burger with the homemade cottage fries with them, and my father got the ribs with salad and spaghetti. We also got calamari, onions rings. Portion size was fine and food was pretty good, too.
(3)Joani O.
Hubby is out of town, I'm under the weather, and I needed good soup while my daughter wanted pizza. Realizing they have both and they deliver, Gulliver's it was! I ordered two cups of french onion soup, a small pan pizza, and a chicken parmesan dinner for the two of us, to have food for tomorrow too. I had french onion soup from Panera, which I love, yesterday; and Gulliver's soup is better! Very tasty, with their homemade croutons on top, and for carryout they put the cheese on the bottom. Lots of it! Thinking there wasn't any, it was a nice surprise to find. Even the small pizza was as good as ever. What we really like about their pizzas is the right amount of sauce, and the crust is perfect. Sometimes pan can be too thick with too much bread, but theirs is just right. I only had one slice, but I'm glad we have leftovers! And try their spinach! My daughter loves chicken parmesan and she said Gulliver's tied with our favorite Italian place...and with my husband's! I didn't have any, but this means it's good!! It's nice to know they're an option for delivery when I can't get out.
(5)Buddha B.
The taste of the sausage personal pan pizza (lunch special-$5.95) was not reminiscent of my childhood forays to Gulliver's by any stretch. The crust I would not eat as a bread: it had a bitter aftertaste. The sauce was nondescript, the cheese, what I could find of it, was mediocre. The sausage itself was nearly devoid of flavor. I have yet to perform an Illinois corporation search, but I expect to find that the place has changed hands and the new owners made changes which I do not approve of, not one bit. I will say that the piped in music is from my salad days (Motown, etc,), so for that - and to have a drink and a sandwich I will give Gulliver's one more try. Oh, yes, and for the excellent service from Loni.
(3)Genesis O.
Love the deep dish pizza!!! Have not had it in 15years and having it now it has not changed it is still the best. Some very good memories.
(5)Mariel I.
This place is ok. We ordered a sampler which was ok just basic items like potato skins, jalapeño poppers, chicken fingers, and mozzarella sticks. Which also took forever to come and they weren't even a full house. Ordered the pizza I would say it's good but not the best pizza. But seriously $2 per topping that is expensive but at the same time they are generous with their toppings so it is worth the $2 per topping. I did not like the crust. Customer service was ok too. I wouldn't come here again it was good for just a one time visit for me. Another thing is that it says on their sign that it is American, Mexican, and Italian. I saw no Mexican dishes. On the menu they have an American section and Italian. There is no Mexican! They should not advertise that if they do not serve it.
(2)Bee F.
There's a little bit of a smell in there that had me question how good it could be. Fortunately I gave it a chance. It's an old place but it was clean. Service was good and well the food.... FIRE! Everything was delicious. Although I decided to go based on a groupon, it's a must to go back with friends and family even without.
(4)Heather J.
Even though I was born and raised in Chicago, I HATE deep dish pizza. The crust is always too hard, there's always too much cheese, and I can name a thousand things wrong with the sauce... But, then I tried Gullivers! This is literally the ONLY deep dish pizza I will eat - it is so delicious! Their sauce is very, very good and it's quite honestly the only red sauce I can say I like! Their crust is light and airy. The amount of cheese is just right. The stars align in this pizza. Their soup is great, too! I've tried their french onion, as well as their broccoli and cheese. I haven't eaten inside this location so I can't judge it's service, but we live 30 minutes away and order carry-out from here fairly often. I highly recommend!
(5)Raj D.
GREAT PIZZA! GREAT BAR! GREAT SERVICE! The pizza here takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare but well worth the wait. The deep dish comes with a flaky buttery crust and chunky sweet tomato sauce. Try the groupon deal! It's well worth it and virtually 50% off. Salads are of well portion and delightful. I tried the buffalo chicken salad which is a big dish and easy to share. The buffalo chicken was perfectly cooked but a little light on the spice for me. The bar is great with plenty of TV"s and seating. All of the waitresses and car tenders are class acts. They do have daily specials and game day specials so make sure you take advantage of those. ***They do have a service in which they will provide you transportation home within 5 miles*** So please ask about this and don't drink and drive!
(5)Mike P.
Like eating really good deep-dish pizza in an antique auction house. If you like to look at stain glass chandeliers, then Gulliver's is your spot. Oh, also the service is great and so is the pizza good for families.
(4)Peter M.
I've been coming to Gulliver's since the 70s and it's always a solid pan pizza! The pizza is delicious and the decor is very funky. They actual only have about 1/4 of the chandeliers that they used to ten years ago but that's still a lot. That and the statues and other antiques make this a very unique atmosphere. Service is also good.
(4)Jessica L.
The pizza here is underrated. It's just as good as Giordano's but for 1/2 the price. They always have a special. I also love the wide variety their menu has to offer and they also have great drinks.
(4)Andy H.
Typical Chicago-style deep dish pizza, nothing out of the ordinary here. What makes this place special is the interesting decor and great service. Ernest, our waiter was probably the cheeriest, happy, smiling waiter I've experienced in the 3 months I've lived in Chicago. Thank you Ernest, you made our dinning experience enjoyable!
(5)Jennifer S.
This is our favorite neighborhood spot! Close to south Evanston, we are heading out now to pick up a pizza for family night in. Gulliver's is a long-time anchor and a cozy spot for a date or to watch a game at the bar. We have many birthdays here so great for a group too, Very friendly and eccentric setting.
(4)Davida B.
We have been going to Gullivers for nearly 30 years, primarily for their pizza. Our visit last night will be our last. We ordered two pan pizzas. The pizzas were much thinner than usual with scant toppings. The crust was soggy. We also ordered fried calamari wick smelled very fishy and was soggy. We were afraid to eat it for fear of getting sick.
(1)Jennifer P.
Back in the day, Gullivers was a hot and swanky restaurant. Young people might have wanted to drop acid then go eat food and drink here, a space decorated much like a cafeteria one could find at Hogwarts. It's a shame because walking in now just feels grimy. The negative reviews speak the truth, the quality of the food just isn't what it used to be. I'd hate to see this place close, but the "new" owners better do something soon or else they will need to close shop. The original owner had a thing for antiques. Google the history and you'll see that he was always rummaging through all kinds of thrift stores, building demolitions, and I think even garage sales. I'm too lazy to check my facts. Point being, this was how the decorations were found for Gullivers. I love how the low lighting can make you think you're dreaming while you're here. Part of what you notice when you first walk in, is that all of this lighting comes from antique light fixtures hung eclectically across the entire ceiling. There's lots of dark wood to contrast the small stone bust sculptures which, most being white, stand beautifully in contrast. There used to be a menu with everything on it. Now it seems like most of the selections are gone. To me this is the first sign of the downward spiral of a restaurant. The salads are made with iceberg lettuce and with little flare. My last visit, I had linguini with sun dried tomatoes and spinach. The noodles were too soft and the oil sauce lacked an ample amount of garlic. My friend ordered the steak tacos, substituted with chicken, and the cheese used to make the tacos looked American. Not like the expected cheddar or perhaps queso blanco/mozzarella. I'm just sad that this place feels like it's on the outs. I wish they would sell it to someone who cares. I don't know who is cooking back there, but they aren't getting paid enough or they simply lack the experience. At least order better ingredients to put your dishes together. I'd start with the greens. Our waitress was sweet. She was attentive to our needs and patient regarding our time it took to make decisions over drinks and dinner. I'll probably be back, but it's not for the food. It's strictly the atmosphere and a quiet place to catch up with a friend on a Sunday evening.
(3)Heidi B.
My husband (being a local) has frequented this place for years..literally. They are known for their pizza, so naturally I ordered the pasta on my first trip here. It was...underwhelming. In fact, I couldn't even really eat it. It was angel hair in alfredo...which I usually love. But it was more alfredo than it was angel hair. Eh. So...when my husband suggested a second try...I was more than hesitant. I'm so happy to report that they have... (drumroll please) an AWESOME burger! The Cheese Gulliburger. SO GOOD. The service is great..and the decor is like stepping back into time. In Europe. We will definitely be back.
(4)Khris L.
I've ordered carry-out from here a couple of times and both times were a good experience for me. The workers are always pleasant and nice. Parking is easy to find in the lot across the street. The interior is a bit dark and decorated with a whole bunch of knick knacks all over, but seems like it would be a fun place to eat in. The pan pizza is delicious and well made. The salads are nothing special in terms of flavor and ingredients, but they are huge and filling by themselves. All in all, I would come back here with some buddies and dine in if we were in the area.
(4)Maria R.
Back in the day this was the place to be and a definite 5STAR, so I was looking forward to having dinner there with my dad and brother on a recent Sunday evening. I knew things were not what they used to be when I saw that their parking lot was empty; the outside of the restaurant was littered with dirt, a few crushed pop cans and old dried leaves (really?? It's early April, the leaves fell off the trees ages ago!), their windows had a film of dirt over them and the doormats right outside the door needs to be vacuumed...maybe even tossed out! Once inside the restaurant, my heart plummeted when I saw that the beloved Gulliver's of my youth had taken such a decline in the upkeep of its appearance. Once again, there are filthy doormats once you enter the restaurant. There was a film of dust over the chandeliers and antique statues. Most of the chandeliers were missing light bulbs and had stickers with numbers, giving the impression that they are going to be put up for sale. We had the sausage pan pizza and a julienne salad. The salad had tons of fresh, crisp veggies and lots of turkey, ham and roast beef, but it was very dry because they do not provide you with enough dressing for this gigantic salad. The sauce on the pizza was very thick, heavy and without flavor and the sausage was practically nonexistent. Kudos on the $3.00 bloody mary drink special on Sundays. Who knows, maybe I was just a naïve teenaged girl back in the day and thought the world of this place? But I do remember this place was always full, which is not the case anymore. Gulliver's, work on giving the place a good scrub, taking better care of the décor and work on perfecting your pizza/food and you will start to see more full tables again.
(2)Kim M.
Hands down the best Chicago style pizza I've ever had. And the ambiance of the place is really quirky and beautiful with all the antiques. My family are long time Chicagoans and has actually been going to Gulliver's since the 70's (before I was born). I grew up on this great place and in all my 28 years of eating here, I have never had a bad experience. Friendly service, good prices and I cannot stress enough how delicious their pan pizza is. It takes a little time for them to work their pizza magic, so I would recommend getting an app. I'm vegetarian so I usually go for the bruschetta but my dad is a big fan of the "nacho Charlie's dream." As far as pizza, I really love the pan with giardenaro. And make sure you get one bigger than you want so that you can have it the next day! My mom and I have often said that we sometimes even like it better cold! Also, if you're a fan of the podcast "Judge John Hodgman" Gulliver's is featured in the episode "Father Gnaws Beast"!
(5)Liz H.
This place is pretty damn good! Nice atmosphere and great food.
(5)Buttermilk P.
Deep dish is right up there with Lou's and Gino's. In fact, I give Gullivers the nod b/c of their perfect sauce/cheese to crust ratio and the soft and crisp balance of the crust. My wife and I had a good meal here before checking out the fireworks in Evanston. We also had a very affable and engaging server named Ernest. Our meal was basic. We began with cheddar broccoli soup, followed by a Mediterranean salad then a large 'pizza in the pan' (it's the same as a deep dish, that's just what they call it) with mushrooms. The meal was basic, but very good. We'll be back.
(5)Eileen S.
it is unfortunate that I have to give a local business such a poor review. The first time I ordered food from here was a plate of ribs and fries. It was absolutely mediocre and bland for the price I paid. It was bone dry and the sauce was a generic store bought one. The fries were bland and came from a frozen bag. The second time I attempted to order from them was when I was in the mood for some deep dish pizza. The stuffed pizza is a little pricey, but it's stuffed pizza and the toppings seemed pretty good. I placed the order online, and was given an estimated time for pickup within 40 minutes or. Over an hour later, and I still never receive a confirmation that the order was done. Turns out that they 'forgot' to send it out. At this point, I was too tired and had lost my appetite to even pick my order up, yet alone the pizza would be cold. Such a tragedy. Living in Chicago, I am more than positive I can find a better pizza place. And after reading some of these reviews on their pizza, I am glad that I did not waste my money. Wish I could give them 0 stars.
(1)Natalie E.
Pizza was good - though the picture on their Groupon was misleading (The picture showed a pizza smothered in peppers so I was really looking forward to that crunch. There were significantly less peppers than advertised.) We were the only ones in the place, though it was a Tuesday night. Our waitress was very nice. The vibe was very old school Italian. It reminded me of some of the restaurants my mother's side of the family owned. Anyway, I'd go back.
(4)Susan C.
I haven't been here in ages....it is a throwback pizza parlor with art deco decor. Had a Groupon good for either a deep dish pizza & beer/soda or salad. We had the sausage pizza....big enough for 4! Pizza was a bit heavy on the tomato sauce but the sausage was plentiful. Server was excellent....but, here is what threw me: the place needed a good dusting and there was a dish rag behind my head/back during our entire meal. I called it to the attention of the server at the end and he apologized.....I remember this being the go-to place for pizza but the restaurant was all but deserted on a rainy Sunday night. Hubby says he'd go back for a burger & salad...so here's hoping there's another Groupon that is not limited to pizza or salad.
(3)Yesenia B.
Half off thin crust on Monday. Half off deep dish Thursdays. They have revolution on tap! The pizza is delicious---Flaky buttery crust, sweet tomato sauce and generous amounts of chewy cheese. The staff is always friendly, service is fast, and drinks are cheap. The eclectic decor keeps things interesting (and extends into their patio during the summer).
(5)Roshan G.
Yummy! Pizza doesn't come any better hehehe
(5)Carol M.
We (Positive Focus) got here monthly after serving dinner at A Just Harvest and always enjoy our time and the food. We especially like when our server is Carol as she is attentive, friendly and fun.
(4)Amanda S.
If you live anywhere on Jonquil Terrace, don't expect them to deliver to you anymore. The delivery drivers will refuse to come to any addresses on this street now because one of them got mugged. Too bad, because the food is decent.
(2)S M.
This humble American-Italian (and Mexican?) joint won't be putting Giordano's out of business anytime soon, but they do make a decent stuffed pizza that any Chicagoan would be proud to call their own. The secret lies in their tomato sauce, which is packed with a robust and unique blend of spices. A good house-made marinara is a very rare thing these days, and Gulliver's definitely does it right. The crust is fairly standard, but mine got soggy under the weight of all that grease on top. Easily fixed when toasting leftovers, but it makes for a less appealing pizza when it first arrives. Finally the cheese was typical as well, but I feel like it could have used just a bit more of it. I can't speak for anything else on the menu, other than that the menu is diverse, large, and fairly standard as far as pricing goes. Not too bad of a price for a Chicago style pizza either, but they do seem to be masters of the tempting appetizer upsell.
(3)Jordan B.
Great pizzeria in Rogers park, it has been around forever. I order from them regularly and their pan pizza is pretty killer. I always get the XL pepperoni & mushroom pan pizza. It has a good ratio of sauce to cheese to crust. They are open pretty late on the weekends & they have daily specials.
(4)August B.
Hipster before the term. It's like eating at an antique store or garden statue outlet. Very interesting experience. Reminded me of my hometown where nobody remodeled anything: houses, restaurants or retail. The food minus the pizza looks frozen. But really all that matters is the quality of the pizza. Their thick crust is sort of a tweener-not as thick as some and a little bigger than thin crust. I kind of like that. I'm giving four stars based on the pizza and the ambiance. Gullivers will never find it's way into a conversation about the best pizza in the city...and I'm fine with that. Most of those lists forget about rogers park anyway. I'd go back and will go back and bask in something most people will never experience.
(4)B S.
Just went there for the groupon special. Order large sausage pizza, we were one out of 3 groups there, pizza was not hot. Fries tasted as if they were frozen reheated ones. Go to Burts pizza, Lou Malnaties, or Pequads, all much better and pizza comes out of the oven hot not warm.
(2)Mike L.
Wana-be Lou Malnatis pizzeria on the north side has tastes that come close and decor that make you feel you are inside a chandelier store. Although they dont have the fame of the bigger pizza places in Chicago, they still deserve an honorable mention as they've been around a long time as an underdog low key champ.
(4)Dennis P.
This place has great Pizza!!!!!!!!!!! It's maintains a uniqueness in a city full of the best pizza restaurants in the world. It's been a fixture of West Rogers Park since 1965. It's only grown in seating room as well as in locations over the years. Don't judge a pizza place by how the HAMBURGERS taste, YUPPY IDIOTS, USUALLY FROM OTHER STATES OR THE SUBURBS... The only thing bad about the "Yelp" site is that people get to bring their picky, little personalities on and present them authoritatively. Just because you had a bad day doesn't mean a business thats been around longer than most of you have been living shouldn't keep its great reputation.
(5)Diana C.
This is my favorite pizza!!!! Pepperoni and jalapeño heaven. Never disappoints and the wings are good too. Pick this over giordanos any day! Never tried their food so wouldnt know about that
(5)Kellie M.
LOVE this place. We went on a Friday night at like 7:30 and it was not crowded so we got seated outside right away. Food was amazing. The only issue we had was service was very very very slow. We had a few drinks each, appetizers and pizza and we were there for like 2 hours. The waitress was very nice but it seemed like maybe she was the only waitperson so we cut her some slack. Everything else definitely made up for it. The decor was fun and we loved sitting outside (I'm not normally an eat-outside person). I think they have a parking lot too but we parked in the street. We will definitely come here again for either dining in or taking out!
(4)Carl I.
This is a great bargain and a great atmosphere - a throwback to an earlier era, but fun and with a casual vibe. and all of the great pictures and statues are for sale. Such a deal! The food is not downtown pizza, but it is good and the simplicity of the menu us easy and I leave satisfied.
(4)Tasha P.
The pizza was good. The edge crust was a little too thick, especially for a thin pizza, but the amount and quality of cheese was great. Great atmosphere. I haven't been to the outdoor seating, but it looks like a nice place to have dinner. Looks like they have drinks specials some nights, but not food specials or happy hour.
(3)Aileen H.
Why did I stay away for 25 years? That's 25 years of money wasted on other pizza! I came across a groupon for Gullivers and thought, "I remember they had good pizza." Boy, was I wrong. They have GREAT pizza! We had the pan pizza. I guarantee you that it will not be another 25 years before I go back again. This tried and true favorite is celebrating 50 years because they are up there with the best. Our wait staff was friendly, the atmosphere was like going back in time and the pizza was awesome. Can't wait to go back again!
(5)Steve S.
My wife was a little hesitant when she saw the out side of the place and inside too. I have not been here since the late 70's and I tell you nothing has changed. The booths are hard as a rock with black tape on them and the chandeliers in the room where we sat sat were pretty scary most missing light bulbs. With that said the pan pizza was very good,except next time I will order without herb crust did not know. The place is very dated and hope the kitchen is cleaner then the front.Will try again. Robert Irvine would have a fit with this place!!!! Oh and Saturday night house wine only $4.00 good deal.
(3)Joshua R.
awesome food , better than anything around here
(5)Caroline D.
It's dim and dingy in here. The kitschy decor is mostly just . . . dusty, and that's gross in a restaurant. They have a personal pizza lunch special but we were told it takes "20 to 40 minutes depending on the toppings." It really felt like the waitress was trying to scare us away from ordering it. She also, I guess, warned us up front that service would be slow. Okay, great, thanks for the info. Something happens sometimes at restaurants where the person waiting on you overshares about their own work situation. I don't talk to my boss in advance about how much I'm going to not meet her expectations . . . Do you? The food itself was completely boring. I had a chicken sandwich which arrived dry so I put ketchup on it. Fries from frozen, mushy, but at least salted well. This place is definitely coasting on its own legacy and it shows. People (I think people who work there) were smoking right outside of a nearby door so the restaurant stunk like cigarettes when we arrived. I don't know, I've driven past this place a million times and been so curious and amused by how it looks from the outside, like the kind of kitschy hometown Italian place that you always want to go to. Throwbacks can be so much better than this!
(2)Kevin G.
Great Pizza and the Chili was really good according to my wife. Waiter was a bit goofy but actually very attentive to table. The ambiance is where this place really rocks. Each booth is very unique in of itself and makes you feel like you have your own little island. I will definitely be going back for pizza and I will try other items on menu.
(5)Blaire H.
Gulliver's is quite the place. I remember my parents saying they went here a couple times back in the 90's, so my fiance suggested we try it out. We went in on a Tuesday night and were seated right away. Carol was our server. I feel like Gulliver's is lost in time. It's full of kitsch- the place is practically a museum. Statues, chandeliers, paintings... it's like a restaurant and an antique store all rolled into one. It's unique. However, lost in time also means "the walls haven't been cleaned since 1984." Which was really gross to look at while I was eating. Despite the decor, the food was decent. Salads are a little lack-luster. But everything else was pretty good. Margaritas were great, surprisingly. My only complaint is that personally I think it's a little weird to serve Italian food, pizza, American food, and Mexican food all at the same place. It's like, pick a genre and stick with it, please. Not even major chains like Applebees' or TGI Fridays' try to go for too many different styles of food. It stretches the cooks too thin and confuses the customer. As they quote in that awful scene in the movie Waiting, "Stop! You don't mix Mexican with American!" Carol was a fantastic server- pretty much the best part of our night. The food was decent. And the decor, while interesting, needs to be cleaned. So overall, not bad, but don't go out of your way for it.
(3)Jack P.
Gulliver's. No-one knows why it is called that. I spoke to the manager, and he did not know. As other have pointed out, there is not exactly a travel theme here. Gulliver's. The place I would never like to dust everything or pay the electric bills. Gulliver's. The place with more lighting than stars in the heavens, but it's still too dark to read the menu. Gulliver's. A leading candidate for an upcoming reality show called "Interiors Gone Wild." Gulliver's. The perfect place to take a retired antiques dealer for lunch, which is what I did after a very long absence. Perhaps 15 years. We came on a Thursday when it was very quiet. I think that Gulliver's is also interesting from a Chicago restaurant "cultural anthropology" standpoint. It is one of a genre of places with which I term a certain dark, rustic hippie artsy aesthetic. The others like it in Chicago were all created in the 1960's or 1970's, and probably could have been called the hipster joints of their day: Moody's Pub, Monk's Pub, John Barleycorn's, and The Heartland Cafe. I can picture the owners of these places. After toking up at a party in Old Town, somebody says: "Hey man, let's open up a cool place, with barnwood walls, old cemetery statues, and pump in some classical or jazz music. And hey, lot's of antiques on the walls. And name it something cool and irrelevant.*" Little did they know these would all become sort of precursors to chains like Bennigan's. But Gulliver's was opened mainly for pizza and then it evolved it unique troika menu of American/Mexican/Italian. Chicago's first fusion place, perhaps. And this place has been selling that pizza and expanding its Rogers Park base along with these other longtime survivors. And the pizza is good. That's been well-established. The other thing I like to order here is the deep-fried mushroom's and zucchini, kind of a late 70's app you don't see too often anymore. My friend and I shared a Caesar Salad and each ordered a personal thin-crust pizza. His was sausage and onion. Mine was shrimp and garlic. These were offered as part of a daily $5.95 lunch deal they have. Personal pizzas, sandwiches or 1/2 sandwich and soup. Not a bad deal, and the place is not too busy on a weekday. The special probably saves you about $10.00 from the regular menu prices for two. Our bill was $26.00. The food was well-prepared and tasty, though our pizzas were tepid or barely warm on delivery. Service was slow as molasses. I would not ordinarily care that much except it was one of those situations where the server fancied herself the customer, and we had to fit into to her agenda vs. the opposite. No biggie. But I hate having to beg for everything. Like a coffee re-fill. Or a check. So over the years, I've been here with some ageing hippies, theater people, friends with the munchies, where we celebrated many an event or topped off an evening of seeing holiday lights in Sauganash. Gulliver's is great for groups, great for pizzas, or fun when you have out-of-towners to show off an old unique space that serves up good Chicago pizza. *except of course for the Heartland
(3)George G.
This place used to have phenomenal service. Every time I call to place an order there the people seem rude and don't care for the business. I wonder if the owner knows he has rude people on his/her staff. I'm under the impression that the business was sold about 4-5 years ago because that is when I really started to see the difference. I've tried more than 3 times to give them a second chance but today when I called the operator was too rude for me to even place an order. It's a shame that "used to be great establishment" is being run to the ground by people who don't enjoy their job or the place they work for. Hope the owner realizes it before they go out of business. Great service and great food is what gets people to keep your business alive. If you don't have them working in tandem your business more than likely is doomed for failure. Btw. I forgot to mention I had a $15 credit that was erased from my account I never got to use. Very poor business.
(1)Adriane P.
Hi my guys and galleons! I finally went to Gullivers and couldn't be more surprised and pleased. Through the looking glass By the name and exterior I was expecting something nautical themed or, at the very least, incorporating references to Lilliputians or Houhmnhms. I felt like such a Yahoo, when to my astonishment, it was more resembling Alice in Wonderland. There are elaborate mirrors, chandeliers, stained glass, statues, gingerbread carved wood and furniture in the foyer, each booth, and even the patio. It dazzled the eye. I've never been in a place decorated this uniquely, ever. "Eat me." "Drink me." My companion and I joked at the extent of the menu. It was huge offering Italian food, American fare, Mexican, pizza, and more. Normally, that'd earn suspicion and a side eye, but Gulliver's is so pretty so we were charmed. We ordered: Chocolate Martini and Standard Martini Very good. Super Quesadilla With steak, monterey jack cheese, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, onions, chiles, with guacamole and sour cream. Good. Steak Fajitas Sauteed steak with red and green peppers and onions. With rice, refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, and flour tortillas. Excellent. None of it tasted greasy and it was flavorful and filling. "I'm late. To a very important date." The service, dazzling decor, food are a wonder and I wish I had come sooner. And that's no Jabberwocky.
(5)Katie M.
This is my first time coming here. The restaurant has an interesting appeal. I ordered a chicken sandwich that came with a salad on the side (& I had Italian dressing on the side of it). Immediately just looking at the salad, I was disappointed. It was a huge mound I lettuce and a tomato and 2 croutons. I went to taste the dressing and it was like water so I stirred it thinking that would help. I'm no expert on dressings but I'm pretty sure there's a few herbs and spices in Italian. And to top it off, the giant mound of lettuce was soggy. I'm nervous to even try the sandwich as I write this. Perhaps everyone's experience is different. But this is probably the first time I was so disappointed over my salad.
(1)Adam O.
I love the place looks antique statues everywhere also mirrors. The environment and energy. It gives off. The service The food. Just awesome.
(5)David S.
Some of the best deep dish pizza I have eaten to date. Salads were mediocre but the baked potato appetizers with cheese and bacon were delicious. Too bad the pizza at the Oakbrook Terrace location doesn't taste the same as the original.
(4)Isaac G.
Stopped in with my wife and five year old. We loved the old school decor and the food was excellent. We had loaded potato skins for appetizer, and the pan pizza for our main course. I knew when we pulled up and I got a whiff of that classic pizza parlor smell that we were in for a treat and Gulliver's didn't disappoint. We will be back!
(5)Wei Z.
Food was okay.. Interior was vintage!!!looking forward next time eating at outside area.
(3)George K.
Thanks Daniel , Nolan and the boys at Gulliver's you guys truly know how to present a positive atmosphere my family also wants to thank considering my situation that day. Upon having an excellent waiting service the pizza by far tops any of that area thank you some much for everything you will be seeing my friends and family members for every event. Thank you Dino for showing the true side of humanity. Sincerely A.G.K.
(5)Katherine M.
LOVE the pizza... perfect slice everytime.. love the decor, fun to look around and see everything.. lots to look at.. easy parking, great food, great time!
(5)Hardeek P.
I've had their pizza twice. 1st as a carryout - had to reheat after bringing it back, so figured that's why it wasn't so good. 2nd time, met up with friends there and gave it a shot. All 4 of us were pretty displeased. We've heard great things about Gullivers Deep Dish and it was a total let down. There seemed to be no taste, no real flavor to their pizza. We're never going back. I'm sticking with Lous or Unos (Schaumburg location only)
(1)Grace A.
Oh, Gullivers. Their menu is so extensive, from sandwiches to pasta to pizza to Mexican food. The quality is decent but the bill is not. It's not a place to go out to a few times a month. It can get pretty pricey. I'd recommend dining in versus carry out or delivery. The decor is part of what makes Gullivers Gullivers. It's dark but don't be put off just yet. Artwork lines up every booth and each one is different! Little statues everwhere. It's almost overwhelming how many things they've packed in. But it kinda works. The place is huge! In case you ever want to throw a large party. And there is PLENTY and I mean plenty of free parking. The people are very nice and friendly. But the service wasn't outstanding. We waited a while for our order to be taken, then some more for our drinks. I'd say wait for a groupon and check out the inside.
(3)Ronald K.
Gullivers is absolutely one of the greatest casual dining experiences you will ever find. It has a personality all of its own. So many cool decorations and decorative fixtures you will have to see it to believe it. Great Pizza, Huge Portions, some of the tastiest in the world!! The big Gulliburger is a classic, a huge 1/2 half pound of delicious ground sirloin. FRESH. Hva it with cottage fries. Chicken Marsala, is a must. Full menu with just about anything you can think of and its all GREAT. You must order the Chocolate Cake, a deep rich dark chocolate, The best you will ever have; the best made on this planet. A Must. The tiramisu is in the same category. I have been going to Gullivers on Howard Street for over 40 years. I dine there 4-5 times a month. Outdoor eating in the summertime and an excellent tavern is part of the ambience... Great service and waiters always. You will love this place.
(5)Sabrina K.
I ordered from this place for the very first time yesterday. They said delivery would be an hour to an hour and a half. But, they showed up just 30 minutes later (yay!!!). The food was also very tasty!! It was piping hot delicious food. We ordered the medium pizza in a ban, the New York Strip Streak Sandwich and the Caesar Salad. Very yummy - I will definitely order from them again! We're gearing up this morning to eat leftovers from the generous portion sizes!
(5)Brad E.
I love this place I have been getting deep dish and stuffed pizza since I was a small child. Im glad the food didn't change much after they changed owners . There sandwiches apps and Mexican food are all pretty good too but the pizza is the highlight of the menu! Also the restaurant and bar are pretty awesome as well. beer garden in the summer!!! If ya gotta second and your in west Rodgers park check them out you'll be back .
(4)Jessica O.
We love Gulliver's! Dining in is fun, and we order delivery at least once a month. Pan pizza is delicious. Just as good as Giordano's and Lou's, if not, better. Great customer service. (Thanks again, George!) I've eaten Chicago pizza my whole life, you're going to love it!
(5)Ralaina B.
The food is ok...my husband really loves the pizza. But the service was very frustrating. It wasn't very busy but it still seemed like she was never around. And anything I asked for it seemed she didn't understand and so I had to repeat what I wanted several times and half the time I STILL didn't get what I asked for. If it weren't for the pizza, I don't think I would really want to come back.
(2)Dan H.
Let me start off saying that the food is good. I've been here multiple times with family and we've had pizza, burgers, entrees....a pretty healthy sample of the menu and it has always been good. So why only 1 star? The service is HORRIBLE. Things are always slow, but tonight was the absolute worst. For starters, our server brought out the drinks, but she forgot my girlfriend's soda. She finally brought it 15 minutes later. Next the salads came, she didn't bring my father's, again a 15 minute wait. None of us got a refill on our drinks and only once did someone come by to bring us water. Our food took what seemed like forever, and not once did anyone check on us after the food was brought to our table. When we were ready to leave it took forever just to flag the girl down so we could get our check, and once more it took forever just to pay. If there was a long line or all the tables were full I could ALMOST understand, but the place was half full at best. So if you have an entire evening to kill, go to Gullivers, if you want good service go anywhere else!
(1)Terri T.
Oh how I miss the Gulliver's I knew and loved. Ever since the previous owner died things have been different but we would still go for the pan pizza...until our experience this past Sunday. My husband daughter and I were so looking forward to our extra large pan pizza. We ordered half sausage and half mushroom as my daughter and I are vegetarians. After waiting the 30 minutes or so it takes for the pizza our waiter brings an extra large half sausage half pepperoni pizza. To make a very long story short, he whisked the pizza away saying he grabbed the wrong one and that ours would be 5 minutes. Then he tells us he was so glad the original pizza got brought to the correct table and that he was glad it wasn't a delivery order blah, blah, blah...he brings our pizza and I could tell they had removed the pepperoni from the original pizza and simply added raw mushrooms. Same pizza. I asked him if this were the case and he swore absolutely not they would never do that. I told him we were vegetarians. No, they absolutely made us a new pizza he says. Yep, until on my second piece I pulled a piece of pepperoni off of my slice. We called the owner over who seemed truly sorry. But the waiter was an outright liar. They made us a new one to go, but it was soggy by the time we got home. I will not be returning.
(1)Erin E.
my favorite pizza delivery for many, many years. when i need a little comfort food, i get a thin crust (which is actually not that thin) w/ half green pepper, half tomato. heavenly. i am not ashamed to say that in a time of need--extreme hangover and/or depression-- i have downed almost an entire large pizza on my own. also fun for dining there on the cute patio or in a cozy booth. there's so much to look at-- antiques, lamps, and gargoyles galore.
(5)Nikki C.
I was extremely excited to be going here since I had been driving by it for years and everyone that lived around there said it was the best pizza there was. The pizza must have blinded the fact that the service there is horrible. I took my mother and the family out for Mothers Day. First, we entered and there was absolutely no one to greet us. Bussers walked by picking up used dishes off of tables, filled waters, etc. Not one person even so much as took a glimpse up from their task to ask if we needed assistance. The menus were at the front door and there was no sign saying to wait to be seated so I thought maybe we should grab our menus and seat ourselves. Finally, a woman approached us asking if she could help us (mind you, this took literally about 5 minutes and there was barely even anyone in the restaurant). We were then seated and started skimming through our menus. A man approached us giving us waters. My mother had a question and the busser rudely said to her, "I the busser, not the waiter" and walked away. As far as we could tell there was only one waiter and he was sluggish and chilled. He took his time approaching tables and definitely was in no rush to ask us if we needed help. He then finally came over to only announce that he would be right back. We knew we wanted a pizza and that it would take 30 minutes or more, so we were sort of thrown off that he hadn't asked if we were ready. Again, we waited for about 10 minutes until a different man appeared, informing us that the server was busy in the back and that if we were ready he would take our orders. He didn't have a special outfit on so I guessed he was the assistant of the restaurant. We placed out order and then waited. The appetizer didn't take too long to come out. And shockingly the food was pretty good. Mind you, it was an appetizer dish of simple finger foods, but it was good. Shortly after, our pizza arrived. The waiter who we originally had brought it to us. He was very impersonal and super quiet. I had to ask him repeatedly what he was saying because he wouldn't speak up. When we finished out meal, it was obvious with the stacked plates and dirty napkins building up. Again, no one was in site to ask for the check or pack up our leftovers. Again, we waited. Finally, the check was brought to us. Using the $25 gift certificate was easier than I thought. He took it right off the check and we owed around $20. Not bad. In general though I would have to say this was by far on my top 5 worst service restraints. Which is really a shame because the inside is beautiful and the food is great. I would work on that if you want to continue with your restaurant.
(1)Adam R.
World famous deep dish pizza in the pan. Like whoa. I realize that I do a lot of overwhelmingly positive reviews about Chicago and its food, but it's for good reason. Chicago knows what the hel they are doing when it comes to food. The sandwiches are also worthy. Try the Howard Street Express with a side of Thousand Island dressing to dip in. If it doesn't get all over the place, it doesn't belong in your face. The cottage fries are also drool-worthy. Super thin, greasy, crispy and all the way delicious. I can feel my arteries harden with each one, and I love every second of it. I proudly wear my "Gullivers: Celebrating A Chicago Tradition" shirt around Brooklyn, despite nobody knowing what the hell it is. I'm only too happy to spread the good word.
(5)Simplelife S.
I have since been to Gulliver's for pick up a few more times since my last review and the pizza is always hot now. GOOD job guys what ever you changed it is working. Loyal customer once again.
(5)Nicole S.
I have ordered from this restaurant a few times now on GrubHub. It's hard to find a good delivery place, but we (at the time) enjoyed this place. My boyfriend and enjoyed the delivery in the past. Last night I spent over $40.00 on a food delivery after a long day of work at around 8:00 pm. They never delivered my shake. The man who answered the phone, who said he was the 'manager' (he would not reveal his name) said he will not give us a milkshake or compensate us. We will NEVER order from this place again! How rude... Update: My boyfriend called to try and talk to the manager, who wouldn't reveal his name. My boyfriend said that it's not about the milkshake, it's the principle of it. My boyfriend said since he was being so inconsiderate he would just go to McDonald's and get a milkshake. The 'manager' told him that he would prefer we never order from his restaurant again. I wonder if the owner would condone this type of business with his customers.
(1)Alyssa E.
Walking in to Gullivers, reminded me of going to a museum when I was a kid. The place is huge, with tons of Tiffany looking chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The booths are cozy and intimate with tall backs and iron scroll work near the top. Moving on to the pizza! I went here with a couple of friends because it is their favorite place for stuffed pizza in the city. I wasn't sure what to expect, but found the pizza to be delicious. The stuffed pizza's crust stays nice and crispy, even though it is loaded with cheese, quality toppings, and sauce. Most stuffed pizza places in the city the crust is soggy by the time it reaches your plate and then into your mouth! The crust was also, non-greasy. There was no oil left on your plate after consuming the pizza and did not leave you with a pizza rock in your stomach! Our large pizza was divided in half by sausage and bacon and the entire pizza was covered with portabella mushrooms and sautéed onions. All the ingredients are fresh and the bacon had a smokiness that only "real" bacon has. The sauce is where I found the pizza lacked. It tasted to me like an ordinary red sauce. There was no punch or kick to it, which I think would have added to the taste. Overall, I would go back to Gullivers, just wish they were closer to the city!
(4)Katie Y.
So as I stated before their pizza along with all the great options of toppings are just the best. They've totally converted us from a lou's family to a gullivers family LOL. The reason for this update though is to point out something we've noticed that is gullivers is great at that isn't easily done. They don't just do Pizza and a few pasta options they are a full service restaurant. We're talking Italian, American, Mexican you name it. Not only do they make all of this but they make it really good. Not easy for any restaurant to make so many different types of food and make them all good. That would be enough for a great review all by it self but to be able to deliver all of this food and have each dish maintain it's taste, temperature, and over all quality during the delivery? To have the food come to you at your home with the same quality as if you ate it at the restaurant? Wow. I'm really impressed. It's great having a full service restaurant you can order from when no one can agree and be sure that all the food is going to come good. Last night I had the ribs, my husband had the chicken marsala, and my son had pizza, the food was great all the way around. Such a great find!
(5)Tim D.
I'm always on the lookout for a great deep dish/stuffed pizza! We're from about 35 miles away but were in the area visiting a relative. We were deciding what to have for dinner when pizza and Gullivers came up. To my taste buds the standard big name Chicago area pizza places have become generic and bland. The best pies now, at least to me, are pretty much at these single restaurants out in the neighborhoods. We didn't eat in, we carried out, but I would like too someday. The place looked great inside, a great mix of wood and antiques. I can't however comment on the service. But back to the pizza, it was some of the best I have had in a long time. The sauce, the cheese and the crust was all some of the best I've had. I will most definitely be back! Thanks Gullivers for taking the time and expense to put out a great product!
(5)Jenny S.
First time visting. Pan pizza so good. Reuben simple and delicious. I hate when a Reuben is too greasy or fancy. Side salad simple but tasty. Mozz sticks very good. If they are frozen they are really fresh tasting. Sauce with it was good too. Decor was great - great ambiance. Maybe just a little dusting and a quick wall wipe but everything else seemed pretty clean. Waitress was also super nice. Chocolate mint a nice touch. It passes the test to come back with the husband. :)
(4)Moni K.
Excellent service and excellent food. My recent experience included ordering deep dish pizza from them. It was amazingly delicious. The delivery is not that great so I STRONGLY suggest that you ask the order taker to repeat back to you your phone number to make sure they write the correct phone number. Also ask for Parmesan cheese packets and hot peppers because they tend to forget that. Other than that the pizza is excellent. The tomato sauce in fresh, and the pizza has just right amount of cheese and lots of spinach. Yum If you chose to dine- in, the beautiful and unique decor will keep your eyes jumping and entertained. A must to visit restaurant if you are in Rogers Park.
(5)Mark H.
I moved to Chicago from St. Louis. Both cities have very different approaches to pizza, but there are a couple of Chicago-style pizza joints in St. Louis (Lemmon's, Blackthorn, and Pi) which are better than the major Chicago staples (Lou Malnati's, Geno's, Giordano's.) When I lived in Roger's Park I decided to check out Gullivers. The decor is unlike any other place I have ever eaten. Nearly every light in the place is a different antique glass lamp. The booths also appear to be made out of antiques. I feel like I'm eating in a pirate ship or a British clock repair shop every time I'm here. In case the 5 stars did not make this clear, I enjoy this feeling. The crust is thin compared to most pan-style pizzas I have found in Chicago, which seem to try to cut costs by using too much dough. There is not a slab of cheese on top of the pizza like other Chicago-style joints, so you'll probably digest your meal in one day. There are a lot of toppings. Overall, it feels like this place hit the magic ratio of pizza ingredients. I highly recommend Gullivers to anyone who wants to experience Chicago-style pizza at its finest instead of as a means of appeasing friends who are visiting from out of town. Thursday night their specialty pizza is half off. If you can swing it, try the spicy sausage, jalapeno and pineapple.
(5)Allie P.
I've really Had anything here but thin crust pizza but it is so good that they deserve 4 stars. Really nice, low key service. Don't be put off by the fact that its never crowded. Still yummy.
(4)Jacob J.
What it comes down to is Gulliver's or Pequod's. I'd first tried Gulliver's in high school. I remember a buddy and his most excellent girlfriend would often come here for their date night meal. She loved the abundance of chandeliers. I was like their adopted kid for the night and would have a pie here on occasion with them. That was back when I thought the only good pizzas were those found in and around my hood, like say Lou Malnatti's or the truly good stuffed pie from Martino's of Peterson Park. Sometime during college I discovered Pequod's and Gullivers was a faint memory. Recently I returned to see if anything had changed and if I've been doing it wrong all these years. First off if management is reading this. Kudos for hiring that cute hostess, woOt! Second, I think it's important that a waiter or waitress smell appropriately when food is being served. In other words, a face full of smelly armpit should not hover over my pie while I'm about to indulge. Ugh! Baby wipes can settle this easily and please do! Unfortunately I realized that I haven't missed out on anything. The first slice of pan is the best slice, after that it's all downhill. I think the pie worsens because it soaks in all the water still in the pie and the crust gets soggy. Pluses are the decor, the ample televisions, high pub tops and regular sized tables and chairs. Ambiance is nice, all the chandeliers look cleaned and lit bright. Nicely remodeled washrooms can handle even the busiest of night games. With that said, decent monthly liquor specials. A-Okay, though not the best pizza in the Chi.
(3)John Y.
Never a complaint here! ... It keeps getting better with time.... Attentive service, great food, cozy and warm .... lots of interesting Tiffany style lamps.... Fun Place! ... Support your local businesses West Rogers Park! This is a gem!
(5)Kelly S.
Deep dish not as good as My Pie but a very respectable close second. NICE crust. Interesting decor with tons of antique leaded glass and lamps. I believe most of that stuff is for sale too if you see something you really like. Oh, almost forgot, the beer pitchers were actual, old-fashioned BIG size. YAY!
(4)Matt R.
There is no such thing as a bad experience at gullivers at least in my experiences (plural). It is entirely possible that something could go wrong, but I don't think I've ever seen it. Gullivers is a very unique place. To start with, the entertainment factor of literally everything inside the restaurant is for sale. The lights on the ceiling, the wall decor, etc. Look for a price tag and you'll find it. When it comes to food and drink, their style of deep dish pizza is definitely good. I'm a stickler for crusts in that I basically don't like most crusts, but I did like Gullivers. It was crunchy and topping choices were good as well. The nacho appetizer, as ellie B notes, is indeed awesome, however it's probably big enough to have as a meal by itself. When it says "for two people" on the menu regarding the nachos, they are not kidding. Double plus for having veggie options on the nachos and not just beef. They have great drinks, and they deliver! This is a great little joint for tons of food. I guess I'll have to try their mexican food sometime too.
(5)Michelle S.
I love pizza. If I were on a deserted island and only had one food item, it would be pizza. I have the luxury of being nearby some fabulous pizza places and have tried almost all of them, but I keep coming back to Gullivers on Howard. First, lets just talk about the ambiance for a quick minute...hello quirky eye candy...vintage chandeliers, old architectural nuggets all over the place, the outdoor patio is fabulous. I'd much rather frequent a local, family owned, unique restaurant instead of a stale, cookie cutter, every decoration is monitored and duplicated 1000 times. Now the food, we've eaten a lot of things on their menu, and all were very good...burgers, mexican, italian, appetizers....all good. However their pizza, in particular their thin crust is my favorite of all times. You have a choice between regular mozzarella (and its real cheese...not that processed bland stuff that has no flavor. OR you can choose the mixed cheese....which is extra delish...not positive what it is a mix of, maybe colby...never thought to ask but its so so so good! The sauce is real sauce, not tomato paste, not heart-burn inducing tart tomato, but tasty tomato-y pizza sauce. The crust is a great thin crust...not too thick, no excess flour on the bottom, crispy cracker-y crust. The other add-on ingredients are all perfect too, we tend to get mixed sausage/pepperoni or something with mushroom & onion and have never been disappointed. love this place, always will.
(5)Gary B.
We have dined in as well as received carry out from Gullivers. The food is always better while dining in and for obvious reasons...it did not have to travel by car to get to me. We primarily stick with the pizza and have never been disappointed. While dining in the service has been decent and not over the top. It is a pizza joint and the service matched the environment. Their wings are also a good starter. As for delivery...we are very happy that they are willing to come to us, some items just don't travel well. This is completely not Gullivers fault and and do not hold it against them. If you are in the area I suggest stopping in...if you want delivery make your selections wisely and consider the distance.
(4)Pam D.
I've eaten at Gullivers several times over the years. Yesterday I was out solo and decided to stop in because I was craving some pizza and it wasn't too far from home. I ended up having a bowl of minestrone soup, which was absolutely delicious, and got a pizza to go. I opted for a thin crust because I needed to share it with Christopher. He is not a big fan of deep dish. I am a bi-pizza person who can go either way. I ended up with a thin crust with ground beef and jardiniere. It was not bad, but I think next time I will opt for a deep dish, because I am guessing that it is what they do best. The pizza we shared just seemed to lack a bit in flavor, like it was not properly seasoned. The service was top notch and friendly. Gullivers ranks high on the Kitchy Kool list. Yes, the decor is nice and expensive antiques, but it is so over the top that it is in a class of it's own.
(3)Annie M.
The portobello mushroom with the spinach was fantastic! I wanted more! The thin crust was just so so
(4)Michele H.
ECH! Our pizza (when it finally arrived) was ice cold and the crust was like cement. I would NEVER order carryout from this place again. We had the pizza in the restaurant once and thought it was good enough to try again as delivery. Never again Never again!
(1)Michael S.
This is one of those places you come to for the ambiance! The decor and antiques and collectables, I think, are so cool to look at! The food is above average - sometimes very good - it's a little hit and miss. - I think the problem is the menu is too big - they should narrow in on the best sellers and focus on those. Chicken Vesuvio was great, calamari was OK, Thin crust pizza was great. - When it comes to pizza - everyone likes something different. It's subjective. Overall the menu has classic italian standards.
(4)Lorelei C.
What Can I say about Gullivers? To start, I used to come here back in the 70's with my Friends and Family Love the Nostalgic Feel of this Place! Old Time Decor, Tiffany Lamps, Dark Wood Very Casual Dining, with a Menu that varies between American,Italian and Mexican- Something for Everyone! The Staff is Terrific, Our Server Tonight, Ron, was an Awesome Guy! Served my son Nick some great Buffalo Wings and talked about the Cubs with us- The Pan Pizza, very Good- Nice Crisp Crust, Not too thick! Very Good! My Son Nick and I always enjoy our time here! Gullivers is a Neighborhood Treasure- I Live near Wrigley and my Son lives in Schaumburg and we still will make this trip! Cool,Cool Place!
(4)Team B.
This place is an eccentric gem. We live reasonably nearby and visit about quarterly. The deep dish pizza is delicious and well worth the wait. The other menu items tend to be underwhelming, so we stick to the pizza when we visit. The real reason to eat here, though, is the decor. This place is jam-packed with as many late-19th-century light fixtures as might be allowed by city fire codes. Every wall and surface is also covered with pictures, paintings, and sculptures roughly contemporary with the lamps. This is all ambiance after a dozen visits, but it's still a remarkable sight.
(4)Stefanie M.
The new owner of Gullivers does not pay his employees. So many times, paychecks never come, or when they do come, they bounce. Although the food is good, I will not give money to a company like that.
(1)Luke S.
This place is pretty awesome! The decor is so unique. I have no idea where they get all the stuff to fill the massive restaurant, but it is topped from head to toe with awesomeness. I hadn't been back since I was a baby, but I decided to buy a Groupon a few months back. The day we went to redeem it was the day that there were massive power outages across the area. The hostess forewarned us that they were swamped and the food might take a while. I really appreciated that they were apologetic and upfront with their backup. Our server was also apologetic and swamped, but she made sure that our drinks were kept full. Once our pizza came out I was impressed. I love me some pan pizza and it was fresh out of the oven! The sauce was tasty and the toppings were great. My only dislike was that it wasn't overflowing with cheese. Althought it didn't seem to bother anyone else in our group. We also ordered the Italian salad, which was one of the better Italian salads that I have ever had. The dressing came on the side and it was a great compliment to the pizza. I would be a regular if I lived closer to this place.
(4)Scott H.
If you don't mind waiting for your food, this is otherwise a pretty decent place. The joint looks like it could use a good cleaning though!
(2)J.B. S.
CLASSIC Chicago pizza spot. The outdoor patio/garden is delightful. The indoor seating is full of antiques and chandeliers and interesting art. DO NOT order the stuffed pizza, it was not good. However, the pan pizza is very good. Not as good as Lou Malnatis but still good. I will be back!!
(4)Ismael M.
I decided to order a deep dish pizza from this place since this was the original restaurant from Burt Katz, the father of Chicago Deep Dish. Burt's most famous incarnation is Peaqod's in Lakeview/Morton Grove. I live outside the delivery area for Pequod's and thought this might be the next best thing. It was close but not a reasonable replacement. We got a deep dish with beef and jalpeno, what we normally get from Pequods. The sauce and toppings about the same, the crust was unfortunately not. The crust was very soggy and kind of burnt, not caramelized like Peqods. Its OK, but I would not get it again. It might be better in the restaurant then delivered.
(3)Sean A.
An interesting place with excellent service and god food. I was out for a nice long walk on a Sunday and decided to stop here and use the groupon I had. It was a little dark when I entered, but once my eyes adjusted I enjoyed how kitchie and ecletic the decor was. It had the potential to be overwhelming, but oddly wasnt, felt cozy and warm instead. They had great music playing the whole time and was just a nice relaxed environment. I had a guinness, which came as a single pour, which I can forgive at any place that does not consider itself to be irish. I ordered a single deep dish with mushroom and garlic and also had the fried calamari as am appetizer while I was waiting. The calamari was surprisingly fresh and delicious (there may actually be a chance these were not frozen). The breading was light and the marinara was a nice compliment. The pizza was exactly what I want from a deep dish, oozing with cheese and good fresh yummy ingredients. The garlic as truly fresh, now jar of minced garlic here. The mushrooms were large and fresh as well. Overall, a delicious meal. To top it all off, the service was excellent as well, Very attentive but not overwhelming. A very good experience and I would recommend this to anyone in the area.
(4)AJ M.
As soon as you step inside you quickly learn this is not your regular pizza place. The interior is majestic with antiques, stainglass, old chandeliers. The bar is all wooden and gives a very homey feel to it. Now for the food. We went on a thursday where it was half off pizza, and $2.50 domestic bottles, which was a pretty good deal. The pizza was no where near a Giordanos or other big names, but for its value its pretty good. The place was pretty empty, which explains why they were short staffed. Ill have to come back when the outdoor patio is open, heard it is amazing. Till then this place is has good speacials and pretty good pizza, with a very nice decor. Although I expected a little bit more.
(3)Megan D.
Went here for the first time Saturday night thanks to a 50% off Groupon! Bought the Groupon en route, called for a reservation thinking it would be packed. Got there in less than 10 minutes and we were pleasantly surprised that there was no wait - or reason for our reservation. Upon walking in we were happily greeted by a manger who was very friendly. Our server was equally as friendly and personable. We ordered the spinach artichoke dip as an appetizer and I was quite pleased that it was not watered down and rather hearty. We ordered two pies (deep dish of course) and could only get through one slice. When it was clear we were done the staff was very pleasant in letting us know we were welcome to stay and chat as long as we liked and also boxed up our leftovers. Very pleased with our experience and would go back again. The crust beats Lous & Ginos by a landslide.
(4)Kristi D.
Every time I dine here I feel like I'm on a treasure hunt! The eclectic antiques-laden decor is so much fun! Even better, the food is great. We have eaten here many times and rarely had a disappointing dish, even though the menu is huge and sports a wide variety of cuisines. The pizza is top notch (and half price thin crust cheese on Mondays!). My favorite dish though is the steak fajitas. Tasty food and plenty of it at reasonable prices.
(5)Ron S.
Love, love, love this place! I like the eclectic exterior and interior decor. There always seems to be something new to pick out of the curiosities on the wall and ceilings. The patio is a great addition and parking always seems to be easy for us. Something new to us is the dinner for two menu. The servings part of the menus is more than expected and seems to be more for 4 persons! To top it off, I'm a definite fan of the stuffed sausage pizza!
(5)Gregorio D.
Great crust....really really good pie. I will always enjoy Gully's....its such good pie. Its probably the second best next to Lou Malnati's and thats such a compliment. Gulliver's is very worth your time, and it has been around awhile. Enjoy it my friends.
(4)John L.
I used to go this restaurant about once a month. Then the owner died and I heard bad things about the place. The food is still very good, but the service and the attitude is atrocious. Went there yesterday and waited and waited for the server. Was not her fault, as she was also doing the bartender's duties. Bartender had called in sick. What should have taken about an hour for the meal, took almost two hours. Had to track down the server to pay the bill. She was bartender at the time. The owner should do some work as the previous owner and his wife did.
(2)Jay K.
I think this place rates right up there with the big boys of the Chicago deep dish pizza world. I went there with a large party, about 12 people. We had a reservation and we were seated promptly but I was a little suprised that the place was kinda empty for a Friday night. With that many people we had a lot of different pizzas on the table, a thin pan, deep dish and stuffed. It was all very good. The skirt steak sandwich on garlic bread was reported to be very good as well. The server worked his butt off for us. There were new bathrooms in the bar area. This place must be one of ComEd's best friends with all the funky lamps and ceiling lighting fixtures. I like it all.
(4)Eduardo G.
The pungent stink of fried fare and old oil was a bad sign. The short and unexciting list of draft beers was also a bad sign. But we sat down in this dark, sad, pathetic atmosphere and ordered food. Pastas are overcooked, tomato sauces are bland, the fried calamari was chewy like rubber and tasted like boiled cloth. The tomato soup still tasted like the can and the fish fingers on the kids meal were oily and clearly fried out of a cheap frozen bag. This is the worst restaurant in Chicago. The prices are ridiculously high. A total rip off since the food quality is worse than 7 eleven. And we came back home with our clothes stinking like that place. Stay away !
(1)Allan M.
The decor and dark, striking atmosphere of this place always has stood out to me much more than their food, and for that, it can fun to dine in at least once. Antiques in (seemingly!) every single inch of the place, including on the outdoor patio, and even in the bathroom away from the bar area! (the latter was recently closed, unfortunately, since I loved its weird, unique charm) Your only refuge from the maddening barrage of antiques will be going inside the renovated bar bathrooms, hahaha! Foodwise, though I knew someone years ago who liked some of their food beyond the pizza(IIRC, it was some of the Italian items), going for pizza and/or appetizers is usually the best thing to do from what I have tried in the past. My most recent visit, I had some kind of salad where I didn't care for the taste of the dressing, but the 2 appetizers I sampled(spinach and artichoke dip, and fried cheese sticks) were decent for such items, and the portion size of all those was excellent. Pizza didn't disappoint, and while there are some pizza places I'd put ahead of them, it's still very above average for Chicago pizza(go for pan or stuffed, over thin crust). And kudos to them for finally dropping their 'no free soda refills' rule. I wish the server we had could've been a little better(or at the bare minimum, at least offered to provide our party a pitcher of water!), since I didn't like having to walk up and ask the bartender to refill my water at least 2 times while here. At least one of the employees(maybe a busboy?) gratefully went out of his way to refill my water, when our server was nowhere in sight(yay for him!). The patio looks really damn nice, so I may hold off doing another trip till next summer, and since I've off and on wondered about their drinks. Extremely easy to park out here(both street parking and a private lot), and the #97 and #215(Pace) buses both stop along Howard. The #93 also stops a block west of here along California/Dodge.
(3)Tom Z.
I had a chance to dine here this evening. It was a great time. The pizza was good and the people were great. We started with some appetizers. The calamari was just ok. It was a bit chewy. I did think the Brushetta was good. The toppings were fresh. For the main meal we had deep dish sausage pizza. I really liked the pizza. The crust was excellent, crispy and buttery. The pizza had just the right amount of sauce and that sauce was full of flavor. I think it could have used just a little more sausage, and I thought the sausage was tasty. The people were great. Our waiter was very attentive. He explained all the specials. At the end of our meal he made sure to let us know of upcoming daily specials and future events. The interior is interesting. There are hundreds of light fixtures in the place. Everything was clean. I will be returning!
(4)Catie V.
I went here last night for dinner with my boyfriend. at the end of our meal, we were full, happy, and i couldn't wait to get on the computer to write a lovely review for this restaurant. First off, between the both of us, we spent $33 minus tip. This included 2 entrees which came with soup and bread, and i ordered a bloody mary. Past reviewers rave about how good the pizza is, and i have yet to try that, but let me tell you! the shrimp alfredo i ordered was AMAZING. Large portion, creamy alfredo sauce that had a cheesy but not overpowering taste to it, lightly roasted shrimp scattered on top. sometimes alfredo may give off a strong smell especially if there is seafood in it, and when our waiter put the plate down, a light and sweet aroma filled my nostrils, creating a pavlov effect. My boyfriend ordered a half slab of ribs, which he let me try. The ribs fell right off the bone, they were so tender and juicy. the bbq sauce was on the mild side, and it had more of a sweeter taste to it. they were fantastic and i would totally order them next time i go. my bloody mary: good. not the best i've had, but the rim had sugar on it which to my surprise, complemented the drink very well. ALSO! the decor, who could not write about that? enticing, golden, illuminating, like walking into the festival of lights. many lamps and statues, very interesting to look at for those of us who are easily amused. I would definitely recommend gullivers to anyone.
(4)Bryan G.
YELP SAYS YOU ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS. Glad I called, and hope you aren't losing any customers because of this. Not sure why its taken me so long to try this place out, but glad we did. Great service. Ordered a caesar salad and pan sausage pizza. Salad was above average for a pizza joint, and the pizza was excellent. Right up there w/ some of my Chicago favorites like Pequods, My Pie, Berts.. Great tasting sausage and sauce. Excellent old school atmosphere..borderline creepy (in a good way) almost haunted house-esque. My kids loved it. Even had a leftover piece for breakfast this morning.. In the microwave for 90 secs and then on a hot cast iron skilet to crisp up the crust. Turned out great. Put this place up in the higher echelon of Chicago deep dish.
(4)Sally J.
There are two reasons I love going to Gulliver's Pizza: the pizza, and the atmosphere. Since you''ll experience the atmosphere before you experience the pizza, let's start with that. Gulliver's is an unexpected gem on this particular stretch of Howard. But what's inside is even more unexpected, so prepare yourself to take your time and take it all in. From the moment you step inside, you will be (pleasantly) overwhelmed by a literal treasure trove of marble sculptures, antique achitectural artifacts, and antique Tiffany lamps and chandeliers. With the dimly lit ambience, it may take your eyes a while to adjust but it is truly a feast for your eyes. Once when my family was visiting, we went later on a Friday evening when the restaurant was winding down and had much of the place to ourselves to wander and explore while we waited for our pizza (well worth the wait, but that's the next paragraph). Our waiter informed us that many of the lamps and architectural items were obtained from an auction of items from the Lake Forest vacation mansion of a branch of the McCormick family. They even let us look at the catalogue they keep of all the antiques that decorate the restaurant. It was like having a museum all to ourselves! Now, on to the pizza. Those who live in Chicago don't realize how much variation there is in the "Chicago Deep Dish Pizza." Each pizzeria seems to have their own take. I am a particular fan of Gulliver's take--the "pizza in the pan." The crust still has a crispness and resembles pizza more than lasagna like you find in some variations of deep dish pizza. Not all of my family members are fans of deep dish pizza, but even they liked Gulliver's pizza in the pan. I've also had the thin crust on a few occasions when we aboslutely could not wait for the longer cook time of the deep dish and found the thin crust pizza to be very tasty as well. When I lived in Evanston, Gulliver's was a favorite place to go when my family visited and now that I live in Chicago, they still ask if we can drive up to Evanston for a trip to Gullivers. The atmosphere plus the delicious pizza are truly a one-of-a-kind classic!
(5)josie w.
Easy parking-different pizza but good pizza! Every booth is different whether it's some art nouveau chandalier or some catyridid or other architectural relic!
(5)Eduardo L.
Some of Gullivers' employees, mainly Caucasian females, discriminate against non-white Chicago residents. I happen to live close to Sheridan and Rogers Park, in the Rogers Park area. When I order food to have it delivered, every time a white female answers the phone and/or every time the delivery person is a white female, they refuse to take cash arguing I live in a dangerous area. I have lived at my present address for two years and I have never been exposed to any kind of criminal activity, and I am a public transportation rider who comes home late at night and walk all the way from the CTA Howard station. I believe Gullivers needs to set consistent service standards. If they do not take payment in cash from me they should not take it from anyone else in their delivery area, and they should disclose it beforehand.
(1)Steve O.
Love the pizza here
(5)Jeremy S.
No joke they have the biggest menu of any restaurant I have ever been to. I have memories as a kid of spending 20 minutes trying to figure out what the hell I wanted. It usually ended up in Pizza or chicken tenders, and I was always happy... Gulivers is a staple of West Rogers Park. Although I normally pick up from here, I still remember the Victorian feel of the interior of the restaurant. The thin crust pizza wins points with me. Although I love meat, the cheese is the way to go, and it quite good. Be ready, you are going to have a greasy feel in your stomach, but it is going to be well worth it. I like Guilvers because it reminds me of being out with my family. It is a unique joint, and it has a very cool decor. If you're in West Rogers Park, make sure you hit this place up.
(3)Angelo C.
I have eaten here on multiple occasions in every occasion the food has been perfect. the experiences also relaxing because you get to eat while you are surrounded by 1,000,000 chandeliers in lighting fixtures most of which look antique.
(5)Cat H.
Ordered from here when my family and I were indecisive between a Lou Malnati's / Peaquod's deep dish, or our favorite local thin crust pizza place. I thought Gullivers' thin pan pizza would be a good choice to satisfy all cravings..not too thick to the point you're stuffed after 1 slice, but not too thin while getting that awesome pan crust...sounds good right? Wrong. Picked up a large half veggie, half sausage pie for $25 and was extremely disappointed. The pizza was SO soggy you couldn't even pick up a slice without it just falling apart back into the box. I'm talking DRENCHED soggy so you had to scoop each bite with a spoon....ew. I was wondering why this was. The drive from where I live was less than 10 minutes from here and there's just no reason why a pizza should be that soggy...The sauce, cheese, and toppings were all very good so it's really a shame.
(2)Colleen B.
Eat at this place for the atmosphere. And maybe the pizza, but we stuck to the menu (which was entirely mediocre). But the LAMPS ARE AMAZING. They're everywhere--and they have stickers with numbers on them. Our server told us it was for inventory in case the place burns down. Bizarre and fabulous!!
(3)Lewis T.
Not worth the money. They rang the bell at 11pm when I asked them not to. Got my order wrong. Woke up with food poisoning the next day. Going inside they have this gimmick of a million little lamps everywhere and you might just have a seizure.
(1)Larisa O.
This is a place you need to check out. The zillion lamps loaded in the place make it a really quirky, imaginative space, in a Door County sort of way. Despite the bursts of charm, the food really flatlines. The pizza we ordered was actually soggy on the bottom. West Rogers Park needs better restaurants.
(3)Michelle P.
I'm one of those West Rogers Park-ers who grew up eating Gullivers, and has had a hard time adjusting to the changes since the change in ownership. Last night was the fifth or sixth time I've been back, and while I miss the old huge menu, there were still lots of choices and the food was pretty good. We started off with appetizers - there were jalepeno poppers on the specials menu, that our server told us were handmade by the chef, not just frozen ones thrown in a deepfryer. They were kind of like spicy cheddar sticks - no actual jalepeno, but cheddar cheese breaded with a chili-spiked crumb mix. We also got the Nacho Charlie Supreme, which is one of the best vegetarian nachos out there - TONS of toppings, including meatless refried beans and dollops of sour cream & guacamole. One of the reasons my family always ate at Gullivers was that there were so many vegetarian options. Some of my favorites are no longer on the menu :( but it's easy for a vegetarian to find lots of different things to eat. They're also pretty accommodating about substitutions. There was spinach ravioli (which isn't all that common at italian restaurants), and it was no problem substituting pesto for marinara sauce. I had the Vegetarian Delight sandwich, which is basically sauteed vegetables on italian bread with melted cheese - nothing spectacular, but a nice vegetarian option on a sandwich menu dominated by burgers and meat. If you like thick-cut fries, Gullivers has good ones - crisp on the outside & soft on the inside. They've got cottage fries too. But I really wish they'd bring back my absolute favorite sandwich - the veggie club. It was a perfect balance of cheese, avacado & sprouts, and each time I've gone back to Gullivers in the past three years, I've looked anxiously at the menu hoping it will reappear. There used to be more unique salads and vegetarian Mexican options too - this is still a great place for vegetarians to find something to eat, but I wish they'd bring back more of the old menu choices!
(3)MTML D.
Decided to try Gullivers on a whim one night the wife and I were hungry, We got a pan with half sausage half onion and I have to admit that I was a little skeptical because of some of the reviews. We really enjoyed it. We are Lou Mal's devout fans but I have to say I thought Gullivers was just as good. My wife actually likes it better than Lou's. I would say that it is a close tie. I think pizza is definitely an opinion. Pizza is what your experience is. Some like thin some like deep. I like it all as long as it is good, quality pizza. With that been said. Just try it for yourself and determine. I will try the thin also to see what it is like.
(4)Carlos P.
I got food poisoning from an undercooked Sausage pizza. It's almost a month later and the doctor says that the inside of my intestines were literally burned because of the vomiting and diarrhea. ER visit cost $7800.
(1)Michael M.
Once upon a time I loved Gulliver's. I was born and raised in Rogers Park and this was THE pizza place. Fast forward to a year or two ago and some new owners have taken over. Now, this place is nothing like it was before. The pizza is bland, the waitstaff not friendly and craziest of all is no free refills on soft drinks. It is a far cry from what the original owner had going on before he passed away. On my last visit, my waitress barely spoke or looked at us when we gave her our order. When our food arrived, she dropped the pan on the table and walked away. We did not see her again until she brought the bill. I talked this place up to all of my friends, and the last two times were epic fails. Sorry Gulliver's. but like all good things, my business with you has come to an end.
(2)Marissa G.
Okay...so just get the pizza here. I went back and this time tried the garbage salad and spaghetti and meatballs. Salad was just okay. As for the pasta, the marinara was pretty bland, but the meatballs were very good. So...all in all, I will still definitely still keep coming back-- for the pizza and the great service and the atmosphere. That's that!
(4)eStephanie M.
This is my go-to Chicago-style pizza in the Evanston area. Tangy sauce, generous toppings. We usually get it delivered, but it's best at the restaurant b/c the bottom crust gets a bit soggy when delivered. The hot wings are pretty good as well. They have very tasty sauce on them. Overall, if you live in the Evanston area and don't like Giordano's (b/c who does?) try Gulliver's; you won't be disappointed.
(5)Reine M.
I came here with my family and a couple of friends, we all had pizza (and later dessert) and a beer (not the kids). Service was prompt and the pizza's were fine. We picked our own combinations and went for the thin crust. We were all happy. The decor of the place is rather awful, but it kept the kids entertained for a while (checking out all the lamps overhead). We then had a large brownie with ice-cream and whipped cream which we all 6 shared and it was plenty big! Not a fine dining experience but a satisfying pizza and beer one.
(3)Jeff G.
went sun night for their pan pizza. my first time to try, and it was very good, we will be back.
(4)Joshua N.
Gulliver's on Howard is a crazy looking place. It could double as an old-timey lighting fixture shop, and it might for all I know, there were tags on some of them. They're open pretty late and serve some mediocre food in addition to their pizza. Sandwiches, burritos, pasta, and pretty much anything else you might be in the mood for. None of it done particularly well, but not terrible either. A decent choice if it is late and not much else is open.
(3)Jarod P.
Huh. Four stars and lots of folks raving over the stuffed pizza. Am I really getting too fussy in my old age? Because I found Gulliver's stuffed pizza to be edible, and I won't say it didn't leave me sated after walking in really hungry, but I can't say it was anything but average. Two things about it: - The sauce. Ease up on the garlic! I mean, I LOVE garlic, I will eat plain old roasted garlic, I could have pasta tossed with nothing but garlic sauteed in olive oil, but it's all about balance. If you can smell the garlic before the pizza is even on the table, it's too much garlic. When it comes to the sauce you put on a stuffed pizza you should really be able to taste the fresh tomato and the basil, and Gulliver's seems to just want to hide their tomato and herbs behind an impenetrable wall of garlic. - The crust. It was - hard. Not crispy. Hard enough to sting my gums as I chewed. Maybe a little overdone? I dunno. But it was also a little bland. No, in my quest for the top-shelf stuffed pizza in Chicago, Gulliver's didn't even come close. Sorry, big fella. (GET IT HAHAHAHA BIG FELLA HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA)
(3)Elliott M.
Delicious deep dish! Worth the long wait for the pizza to cook.
(5)Erin N.
6 people, 2 pizzas, 1 order of fries, 4 pitchers of beer and 1 coupon= $14 a person with leftovers. Gullivers is nowhere near my house, but I'm a sucker for mood lighting and dark wood. Plus, Gullivers reminds me of my childhood. Good but not amazing, plus the patio is pretty nice.
(3)Matthew S.
Gulliver's is a Northside institution. Great food with a strange vibe inside. I suggest coming in when the weather is nice and eating in their outdoor patio. It's the tits!
(5)Susan P.
Food is usually good. I used to eat here a lot in the 80's and then moved out of neighborhood. I just moved back and while the thin crust pizza is pretty good, my husband ordered it two days ago and was admitted to st Francis ER yesterday for food poisoning. It's all he ate all day so we know it was the sausage on the pizza that was either undercooked or spoiled. I had the pasta which wasn't bad. Anyway, I told a neighbor that my husband was in ER after eating here and he said that the same thing happened to him and he has never returned to this restaurant. I just got around to letting a manager there know. He wasn't in the least interested. Didn't ask me when I ordered, etc. just didn't seem very interested in making sure this didn't happen again. Maybe stay away from the sausage? I won't be returning.
(1)chris g.
Holy chandelier! Its an antique wonderland. Every nook & cranny has something. it's boarding line antique hoarding but in a good way. A darn good pan pizza. The crust is good, the sauce is right, the beer is cold & the price is right.
(4)Mike K.
our regular server brad is the best.
(4)Bari L.
I grew up eating here. My mom does not cook so we lived on pizza specifically Gullivers deep dish. It has been said by several people that Gullivers was my first solid food if you knew my mother you wouldn't doubt this. They have changed hands since I was younger and I have noticed that their pizza is not as good as it use to be. Burt who owns Burt's Place in Morton Grove is said to have help gotten Gullivers started hence a very loyal local following. I do like some other items on the Gullivers menu in case you aren't feeling like a nice cheesy slice of deep dish pizza. Also I have started to try their soups and they are awesome! I was very pleasantly surprised. Lastly you can beat the warm cozy feel from all the old antiques decorating the walls and ceilings. This is a great place for comfort food in the winter time.
(4)Julie B.
While Gulliver's is out of the way for most, it has the greatest pan pizza I have ever had. It looks like you are walking into the Reagle Beagle, dark wood, out dated decor, however, the service is so friendly but you come for their amazing pan pizza. It's a must try and parking is so easy - street or parking lot across the street.
(5)Megan M.
I'm having a hard time deciding between one and two stars here.... My husband and I had burgers delivered the other night. Our food was delivered in a timely manner, which is why the two stars over one. Our burgers came with fries, homemade cottage fries, or a bake potato. I ordered the cottage fries and they were extremely soggy. Maybe four out of the lot were actually crispy and I don't think it was all because of delivery. They forgot my husband's baked potato but did remember to add the sour cream and butter. We asked for medium hamburgers and they were cooked well. I ate almost all of my burger and was going in for one of the last bites when I see a hair sticking out of it. It was not one of our hairs either. I'm hoping it was an arm or facial hair because it definitely did not come from someones head. GROSS!!
(2)l p.
Over cooked pasta + old oil + old garlic + 55 minute wait between appetizers & said pasta = 2 less customers. Sadly Gulliver's no longer cares about the quality of food or service that is provided.Or isn't provided. Also, not sure what the hard as a rock "thing" was that almost broke my tooth when I bit into a forkful of the $12.00 awfulness on my plate. Good bye Gulliver's , we've had a heck of a relationship , we even included others , but I find your callous attitude intolerable. PS - after telling management about our experience , they only offered to deduct 10% ( $6.75) from our bill. hmm...
(1)Lisa S.
Tried Gulliver's for the first time last week. The result was three days spent in bone-chilling, skin-crawling, gut-wrenching agony. Thanks, Gullivers, you'll be hearing from me again, and soon!
(1)Reggie P.
Hand's down one of the best Chicago-style pizza's out there. Only Lou Malnati's can compete with Gulliver's, IMO. Gulliver's is famous for their pan pizza. While the pizza is certainly thick, its nowhere near as thick as Giordano's or Uno's (which have become too chain-like for my liking). What sets Gulliver's apart is the buttery and flacky crust, which is not too hard in comparison to other Chicago-style pizzerias. The consistency of the cheese and sauce is well-balanced as well. The only reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars is that other menu items are merely satisfactory. This should only be a pizzeria/Italian restaurant. I tried their burgers and Mexican food items on separate occasions and the dishes were sub-par. The atmosphere of the location also adds to the ambiance. You will feel like you are eating in your grandma's house, filled with antiques and old-world charms.
(4)Sandy J.
Delicious. There are two good pizza places in Chicago for authentic deep dish Chicago pizza; Lou Malnati's, and Gullivers. Period. If you want cracker thin crust, Leona's is great. Back to Gullivers. The kitschy antiques and darkness of the place make for a fun atmosphere. The pizza is out of this world. The crust is really tasty. The sauce isn't really sauce, more like chunky tomatoes. I like the deep dish sausage and mushroom pizza. There is also a decent selection of Mexican food, and the salads are great. Delivery takes way too long, over an hour. Just ate there a couple of days ago. The pizza is exactly the same as it was 10 years ago. Nothing changes here. There is a cute little beer garden with lots of flowers for outside seating.
(5)Eric D.
Just gross. Dirty, funky, dusty "antiques" all over the place, VERY mediocre food, awful service and it's not better if you order delivery. ALWAYS late and ALWAYS a excuse and never anything done on behalf of the customer. I'm all about supporting local businesses, especially ones that have been in the area for a while. But sometimes, it might be time for a change. This is one of those times.
(1)Jade T.
I had a coupon for Gulliver's (those coupon mailers have good deals so don't immediately discard them). I ordered an XL cheese pan pizza for delivery via phone. There was a $2 delivery fee, but no order minimum. That evens out. The pizza took about an hour to arrive, and upon opening the box, I thought, "interestttinnnngg". The pizza was topped with cheese, THEN sauce like Chicago-style deep dish. Innovative, I think. The dark red tomato sauce was moderately chunky, sweet and well-spiced. That's how I like my pizza sauces. The crust was a downer. The texture was similar to dry, stale bread. It wasn't chewy or doughy like regular pan pizza crusts. Overall, the pizza was alright, but the brittle crust was a major turn-off. Gulliver's was a nice try, but I won't be ordering from them again.
(3)Sandy M.
What a amazing experience! As soon as me and my husband walked in we were greeted by the hostess who escorted us to our cozy booth despite how busy the restaurant was. My servers name was Jose and he was very sweet and knew all the answers to my strange dietary restriction questions. Our food was brought out fast and was delicious! This place is beautifully decorated, filled with a diverse crowd of couples and families with laughing children and a wonderful staff! A very welcoming warm place, would recommend to anyone!
(5)Jeff M.
The best deep dish pizza in Chicago! I know everyone says that, but it is. They have a interesting restaurant theme too, its like antiques & 100s of lights.
(5)Erin K.
I used to love the pizza here. In fact, I would have chosen it over Lou Malnati's. Unfortunately, their food and service has recently started to suck. The quality has noticeably decreased, and I'm not surprised to hear that they're under new ownership. It''s not that it's inedible. It's just that it used to be SOOOOO good, and now it's just mediocre. The decor is still really cool. I love the lamps and the outdoor garden patio. I wish I could give them the four stars they used to warrant... Where are the old owners and how can I get them to come back?!
(2)Dan F.
Absolutely, positively the best pan pizza in Chicago--bar NONE! Have been going to this joint to satisfy my pizza cravings since 1998 here in Chicago. Yummers! Now, I realize it wouldn't be everyone's favorite pizza, but there spinach and garlic (heavy on the garlic) pizza is the BEST EVER! But, no matter what you order off their extensive menu is very good, the service is unbelievably friendly and sincere about it, they take great pride in where they work and what they do at this fun little joint! A must for any pizza lover for sure!
(5)Danny H.
A neighborhood institution: this is the flamboyant Italian place where friends and family have tended to gather to celebrate any number of informal occasions. I have celebrated a few birthday dinners here, enjoyed pizzas and burgers. Just this evening we ordered in a deep dish pizza. Once many years ago a slender little guest popped out of the woodwork to crash our party, and was nabbed in a napkin. The manager took it personally and comped our meal. We often walk over, even in the winter, because it helps digest the heavy food, though there is also parking in the rear.
(4)Jen N.
It was my first time there... it was my last time there. Musty smelling place full of about 300 antique lamps. Big deal. I also heard it was really great years ago, but is now crap, and I concur. The sign says "American, Mexican, and Italian food"... how about just focusing on getting one very good? On a Monday evening the place was nearly empty. They gave us garlic bread, but it had no garlic, it just tasted like it was dipped in canola oil. The salad was 8.95, a bad value considering it was pretty much iceberg lettuce, tomato slices meant for a sandwich with an extremely overcooked boiled egg that was gray all through the yoke and tasted terrible, ruining the salad. We ordered right away, and it took literally an hour an 10 minutes to get the pizza. The crust is crunchy, they should add some garlic or something to the pizza, it is decent, but bland sauce. We ended up paying $50 for two people, two drinks, tip, and mediocre food.
(2)Beth G.
This review is 16 years old, but one that I feel bears mentioning. Gulliver's is literally walking distance from my parent's house. My dad used to take me there for pizza and Shirley Temples when I was younger. When I was pregnant with my daughter, her father and I stopped at Gulliver's for a pizza. Their pizza had always been pretty good, and we had never had any complaints up until this terrible night. We were seated in a booth next to the waitress station. You know, where all the coffee cups and water glasses are stacked up, supposedly clean? What became obvious at first was that there were a lot of little brown spots moving across the white coffee cups. As we looked closer, we realized that the brown spots were ROACHES! Lots and lots of roaches! They were going in and out of the (supposedly clean) coffee cups and water glasses!! We kept looking. The infestation did not end there. There were roaches playing peek-a-boo in the cracks of the walls. There were roaches EVERYWHERE. It was like something out of a horror movie. It was so absolutely disgusting, I cannot even begin to describe how horrified we were. When the waitress came to tell us our pizza would be out shortly, we pointed to the coffee cups and told her we were no longer hungry. The sigh and way she immediately said "the manager says don't worry about your check" indicated to us that they were no strangers to this type of complaint. Sixteen years later, and the memory of that night still makes me shiver and puke a little in my mouth. I don't care if Orkin dropped a bomb equal to the impact on Hiroshima on that place, you couldn't pay me a million dollars to EVER go back there. All those antiques, and the biggest roach problem that I have ever seen in my life. What a shame.
(1)Y V.
Go here for their pan pizza! This is one of the restaurants I love to go to for Chicago-style pizza. Sausage and garlic is always a good choice. I haven't really ordered anything else from their menu, except for some appetizers (the buffalo wings are good). You also go here for the atmosphere. Talk about old-school! There are antiques everywhere, including the outdoor patio and even the bathrooms. It's a bit frightening at first, because every inch of the place has something unique on it. You find yourself staring at walls, light fixtures, knobs, etc. It's like eating at your kooky grandmother's house, but with better food.
(5)Heather B.
I've been going to Gulliver's since high school 15+ years ago. I've always thought the decor was eclectic and funny, and often wondered which creepy bust or gargantuan plaque I would be seated under. They are creepy in a good way, though. I know this is a pizza place, but believe it or not, I've never had the pizza! The soup there was excellent. I used to go just for the cream of broccoli topped with cheddar. My friends swore by the funghi funghi pasta and the blackened chicken pasta. Every thing was excellent. The past 6 months or so have been different... and after reading the recent yelp reviews I now know why. Apparently it's been sold. That would explain why the baked beans taste canned now, and the soup, while still good, is not what it used to be. They have rehabbed their menu, and taken some stuff I used to like off of it. And who makes a reuben sandwich without thousand island dressing?(apparently this is a growing trend at most places nowadays) I believe they call that a corned beef sandwich. It's part of the sandwich!!! Then the girl on the phone who pretty much argued with me about it just because it isn't printed on the menu? Whatever.. I know the service in house, or delivery, has always been kinda meh, but I think this may have been it. Gulliver's, you used to be one of my first choices. Now I'll hesitate coming back. It's a shame. But I guess all good things really do come to an end.
(2)Patty B.
I grew up blocks from this place and used to love their large menu and delicious deep dish pizza. I have gone there since the new owners about 3 times and will probably NEVER go back after today's visit. They have a nice beer garden (the main reason for going today, since it was so nice out) but the food was HORRIBLE. I won't go into specifics but I'll say this - pick another place.
(2)Debbie W.
The best stuffed pizza in the world. It's been around forever. We've been going there since I was a little kid. It's such a homey, neighborhood, classic Chicago restaurant! Don't even get me started on their homemade creamy garlic dressing! They need to bottle it and sell it.
(5)Ellie S.
Wow! I never heard of this place but, what a surprise. For starters, we were a little worried that the sign said they serve Italian, Mexican and American food. Made me wonder how good the pizza was going to be. Then we walked into a place I can only describe as being decorated by the most organized hoarder ever. It is a dark place (much like an Irish pub) decorated with tons of hanging chandeliers of all kinds and tons of Grecian and/or Roman statues all over the place. You just have to go there to see. From there we were sat in the back which was great because we had 12 people including a toddler, 2 kids and an elderly person with dementia. The staff was very accommodating and provided excellent service. We all enjoyed the pizza. We tried thin crust and pan of several varieties and all were very good. The chocolate cake was also quite good although not the best dessert ever. The place was clean including the bathrooms. The only negative I can say about the place is do not order the chocolate dream martini. It was totally gross. Other than that, it is a very good pizza place, with great staff, good desserts and definitely a very unique place as far as design.
(4)Chas S.
If Liberace farted out a restaurant, it would be Gullivers. The decor is so craptastically gaudy, you can't help but wonder "gee, maybe a greasy, cracked, gilt molded mirror really would look good in the living room, because look honey... the price tag says it's only $30!" Am I in a restaurant or a Vegas garage sale? Even the most sober of the sober can't tell. But enough about the decor: lets talk grub. I'm always dubious about a menu that hosts a dish or two from every country on the planet. It's like the Wal-Mart of restaurants: how can everything be good when you don't specialize in anything? That's why I zero in on nothing but the pizza. Besides it being in the name of the place, the pizza here is definitely a gem amongst the other mediocre dishes on the menu (steer clear of the funghi-funghi pasta...*shudders*) I like my pie salty, so I was overjoyed when the thin crust we ordered was so covered in black olives, my innards immediately started to dehydrate in some weird Pavlovian manner. Ole Gully and crew don't skimp on the toppings here. Oh, and the cherry coke is that bitchin' combo of coke and grenadine. It's killer. So if you've found that you've fallen asleep on the Red Line and travel all the way up to Howard, give this joint a look-see. You'll never look at gold chandeliers the same again.
(4)Vijay M.
Beautiful decor, with antique light fixtures and statues capture your eyes. This place is a feast for your eyes and your appetite. My friend took me to this place as it is in their neighborhood. In my observation, there were not alot of people(patrons), still there was almost 5 minute time for us to see who our Hostess was. She was very co-operative and cordial. At first we ordered Nachos(which is their favorite) with half beef and half beans(vegetarian). The waitress was very co-operative.The deep dish pizza we ordered was really tasty. My friend had a confusion about the taste difference in the pizza. Seems that they have changed the deep dish pizza dough thickness. In few minutes, we had the owner addressing my friend's issue with both of us. That is very customer friendly of the restaurant management. I definitely recommend this to everyone. This four stars is comprehensive of looks, decor, wait-staff demeanor, time for response of a wait staff from the time we were hosted by the Maitre'd. They have earned it.
(4)David W.
I've heard about Gullivers from several friends and have driven past it a handful of times. Every time I say "I should try their pizza." Finally last Sunday I decided to order a pizza for dinner. I ordered a large Pizza in the Pan with Sausage, 2 Minestrone Soups, and a Grilled Chicken Cesar Salad. First off they didn't provide spoons for our soups. This normally wouldn't be a problem, but I was at a dance studio in Evanston at the time and had no access to silverware. If you order delivery soup don't they usually provide spoons? I thought so. Despite the lack of spoons my slurping drinking friends enjoyed it very much. The Cesar Salad looked adequate and they provided almost a gallon of cesar dressing. Healthy! I wanted to like the pizza, but I just couldn't. The crust was a bit lacking, the cheese was light, the sausage was okay, and the sauce was just not that good. Maybe it would be better fresh out the oven, but I don't think I care to find out. A few weeks ago I stopped into Gullivers to pick up a menu and I can honestly say that the interior is one of the most elaborate pizza places I've seen. It's like a pizza place and an antique store had a mixed baby. At the end of the day you can't win them all. 1 Large Pizza 2 Minestrones 1 Grilled Chicken Cesar -------------------------------------- $40.00
(2)Carolynne M.
Weirdest decor in a restaurant I have seen in a long time. I always wonder how many times the staff is bothered by people who think all that stuff is for sale though. The only reason to go is for the pizza. Everything else is awful and sub-par diner quality. Pizza has nice seasonings in the sauce, good oozy cheese and a buttery crust. Not really all that thick either which I like. Gotta recommend take out. Sitting in that dining room is too bizarre after your first time and although I have no personal experience with it, I understand delivery is pretty shaky.
(3)Scott H.
Gulliver's is a crazy place where it's easy to get overwhelmed by the hundreds of American, Mexican and Italian items on the menu. It comes down to four simple words, though; Pizza In The Pan! They were a pioneer in Chicago deep dish (Burt Katz was here) and it shows. Sit outside if the weather permits for a surprisingly nice al fresco experience right off Howard St. Pick-up and delivery are both timely as the pizza stays hot for quite awhile after it comes out of the oven. If you love Malnati's, Pequod's and the like, you'll find a friend in Gulliver's.
(4)jo s.
We were visiting Chicago and this place came highly recommended for its pizza. We loved the funky decor with an eclectic and artsy atmosphere. The service was friendly and attentive, but ultimately we went there for the deep dish pizza and it was some of the worst pizza I've tasted!! Bland tasting sauce and dry crust. Very disappointing.
(1)Patrick T.
If a place posts that they are open at noon, they should open the place for business at 12:00. Not 12:15, not 12:30. Maybe they need to update their signs "Open When We Feel Like It". Oh, and they can take down the sign for free parking in the lot across the street since they will tow your car if you park there. The pan pizza here is pretty good, though.
(2)Tom M.
My family, girlfriend and I were in Chicago visiting from Boston in May for a wedding. Being in Chicago we wanted to try some authentic deep dish. We were hanging out at Lake Michigan when we asked some locals where to go. They pointed us here and we couldn't have been happier. They had $1 miller lite drafts, awesome pizza and a cool atmosphere. Definitely check this place out!
(5)Iris H.
I completely love their stuffed spinach and mushroom pizza - the end. The service sucks. The place is dirty and stinky (I know a guy who knows a guy and oh my, the stories). A couple owned the place, the man recently passed away (sad), the woman is, on her bestest of days a . . . caring understanding nurturing team-mate. *wink* Seen the film 'Waiting'? Welcome to how the staff at Gullivers deals with working for a shite-y outfit. The stars are for the tasty goodness of the 'za I dig and the really nice delivery guys who bring it piping hot to my door. Ordering in is your best bet - you'll miss the gawdy, nicotine-stained decor, but hey, at least you won't have to lose a perfectly good pair of shoes because they've stuck to the floor in the bathroom.
(3)L D.
The atmosphere and the 18th to early 19th Century kitsch is worth the trip. Knowing what to order from the menu makes all of the difference. Gulliver's is known for pan pizza. There may be a few other items, but picking the right pie makes all the difference. All it needs is a Three Floyd's Alpha King or an IPA and it works. One drawback; the new owners are not Jerry Freeman. We will all miss him! For more information - slice.seriouseats.com/ar…
(4)Miss R.
I leave off a couple stars due to their use of whatever spice seems to be used that upsets everyone's stomach in their regular food. But, their pizza is great. This is where I go when I'm in need of a thin crust pizza. We like the bacon, green peppers & onion combo, but whatever floats your boat. I took my in-laws here during their last visit. It was the end of their trip, I was tired of talking, this place does the talking for you. I did wonder why all the "art" had numeric codes on it the last few visits. My MIL was kind enough to ask the waitron about it, since I'm lazy (I'm very lazy, read my reviews - I am having something delivered as I type this because I can't be arsed to cook right now.). We were informed the owner had died a year and a half ago and the place had been inventoried, some of the stuff sold off, hence the tags. Personally, I think that if they are done selling off the good stuff - could they please take down the tags? It makes me feel like I'm eating at an estate sale. Rather depressing. As an aside, my MIL ordered the avocado egg rolls. What would possess someone to order avocado egg rolls at a place like Gullivers? Must be a wild sense of abandon or a natural curiosity towards the dreg-ends of an extensive menu. I didn't phone later to check on her tummy.
(3)George H.
Another writer asked "Has Gullivers Slipped?". My answer is YES. Went to the new in Glenview twice now and was VERY disppointed...Both times !! Thought the service was OK, but the quality of the food, especially the pizza was nonexistent. I've had better frozen pie. Oh, and the owner...RUDE and insulting! Don't get to one the in the city now, but as far as Glenview is concerned...Not Me..or my family..or my Friends !
(1)Ann Y.
I went here last night and it seems like the pizza changed for some reason. The crust tasted burnt and it gave me a tummy ache. My husbands sandwhich however was quite tasty- a turkey club. He wasn't a big fan of the fries but said the baked potato was good. The cream of potato soup that I started with was yummy. As far as the decor- wow total 70's. Tons of old lamps (hundred's) and antiques and it is dark wood inside. The biggest negative- no free refills.
(3)Eldrick C.
Staff is friendly. Prices are right. Food is awesome. I had the tilapia special. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. Eaten here 3-4 times. Every time has been good. Gullivers is a hidden gem.
(5)Jon J.
Totally bizarre interior... and totally half hearted everything else. The service was OK, if a little slow...and the food was just OK as well. The salad was obviously made from off-the grocery store shelf ingredients - shredded Kraft cheese, Hormel Pepperoni, and iceberg lettuce. For $8, I expect a lot more than that. The pizza, on the other hand, was pretty good, but loaded up with more "grandmas spice rack" quality dried basil powder. Maybe I'm becoming a food snob, but when I can easily identify the off-the shelf ingredients, and understand the minimal effort required to make your own or get better from a purveyor, a restaurant loses points in my book. I will be back, however - just to experience the beyond bizarre courtyard of horrifying marble statues in the summer!
(3)Jean C.
Maybe I should have followed my instincts and had pizza, but I really wasn't in the mood, especially since my dining companion didn't want to split one. Instead I had the eggplant parmesan and while it was good, it was nothing special beyond being an incredibly generous portion of food. There were four large slices of eggplant -- sliced lengthways which was a nice touch, so that the slices could be thin and yet still substantial. But I found the breading a bit too thick, and it obscured much of the flavor of the eggplant. I know people who might say this is all to the good, but I am not one of them. I chose the marinara sauce which was quite good, and the spaghetti which was, well, spaghetti. Nothing special there. The salad was generous and very fresh, but it was mostly iceberg lettuce with a decent but uninspiring oil-and-vinegar Italian dressing. The bread was pretty much standard sliced French bread, of the sort you get at almost any Italian restaurant. Charles fared very well with his blackened salmon on linguini in a cream sauce, which looked and smelled heavenly. He said it was excellent, too. Our server was lovely, very accommodating and friendly. Also, they were nice enough to seat us in the bar where it was warmer, which appreciated, seeing as how I'd left the house in just a tee shirt. On the downside, there were four televisions in the bar, all tuned to different stations, and unfortunately we got stuck right in front of the Fox news one. That did nothing to improve my meal, let me tell you. The real stars of this place, though, are the antiques. It's been a long time since I've seen a collection of so many beautiful pieces. The chandeliers alone would have made the place look special, but everywhere you look there's something wonderful and quirky. To be honest, I wouldn't rush back here, but if I had the opportunity I'd give it another try. As it is, it's a good, solid, three-star place. Reliable and friendly, and I definitely recommend you try it.
(3)Irma A.
My friend and I had a bad experience here. She ordered a shrimp and noodle dish and the shrimp was actually spoiled! When she told both the waiteress and manager about it, they didn't even apologize! She just said that the shrimp was fresh and asked her if she wanted anything else. They didn't offer any kind of compensation and my friend could have gotten ill from their shrimp. What a shame.
(1)Eliza M.
After reading reviews I knew better than to order anything BUT pizza. The pan pizza was quite tasty. If Lou Malnati's pizza had Gulliver's crust, it would be perfection. The decor is "interesting." Since everything is numbered, I assume it's for sale. Nasty bathrooms and our beers sat empty for a while before they were replaced. I may return to Gulliver's in the future but since it's so close to Evanston, why not venture up there instead?
(3)Mara S.
Thin crust pizza: $11 2 Drinks : $3 Never having to eat at Gulliver's again: Priceless I tried Gulliver's today because I pass by it all of the time and I had read that it was 4 stars on Yelp. I really hope Gulliver's was just having a bad day because 40+ Yelpers can't be wrong - or can they? If I was reviewing service alone it'd be 3.5-4 stars but since I am doing food, service and ambiance I give it 1 star. First of all, the place had a weird stench that I could smell the second I walked in the door. It was a mixture of old cigarette smoke and nursing home. Delicious. Second of all, it felt like I was dining in the middle of a garden center - there were way too many statues. We ate outside (outdoor patio was decent and it didn't have a stench), but the statues and iron decor was just a bit over the top. The pizza tasted like frozen pizza that I can buy at the grocery store. it was really unimpressive. My bf had some fries and those tasted like they'd been fried with tortillas - in other words, they weren't good. Overall I was totally unimpressed with Gulliver's and definitely question the 4 star ratings. Maybe we got the wrong thing, maybe the stench was fresh because it was lunchtime - either way, we definitely won't be back. Yuck yuck yuck.
(1)Sharon R.
was THRILLED to discover mondays r halfprice thin crusts as we were on the way there anyway...even better...millerlite pints were 1.50 our server was great and cuz we r bartenders hes coming to our bar and we're goin back at least 1 monday night a month----our portabella app cost almost as much as the halfprice extralarge pizza but we'd gladly order both again...the garlic bread is to DIE for would give 5 stars but there is WAY too much salt (in the sauce?) for sum1 w/my hbpressure
(4)Amanda G.
I'm pretty sure I've been eating here my whole life. I love the restaurant, full of crazy stuff. If you find out before the appetizers come that you hate the person with whom you are dining, you can seriously spend the whole meal gazing at various lamps. They have one of the most extensive menus I've ever seen, though I'm not sure whether everything is great. I would probably stick to the American and Italian options. I know this: the nachos are amazing (um ok that is 1 Mexican item, forget what I said about American and Italian), and the pizza is probably my favorite on earth. That + my own personal nostalgic need to rate them well = 5 stars.
(5)ryan w.
One night last summer, Hilary and I had a couple Italian Beef sandwiches from Gulliver's and they were killer. Only problem is, for the next two days, I smelled like butterscotch. That's exactly not a criticism. Butterscotch is good stuff. Nor is that a warning. There are worse things that a sandwich can do to you than make you smell like a rich buttery candy that evokes fond memories of childhood in passerby. Nor is this some kind of accusation or attempt to hustle the owners of Gulliver's for cash. I only suspect that the Italian beef sandwich made me smell like butterscotch because Hilary ate just as much as I did and wound up smelling the same as usual (Body Butter, Marlboro Lights, dog...) So I dunno, man. I like Gulliver's, but I smelled like butterscotch for two days.
(4)Beatriz P.
went to dine in.. the server practically ignored us,, I felt like we were interrupting somethin. The menu.. food seemed expensive.. So we ordered pizza. we were ok w the pizza. we just wouldnt go back becos of the service.. eh
(2)Ellie B.
At first I thought that Mr. Lou Malnatti would be the only deep dish I would ever need. But oh, how wrong I've been, how wrong! We used to order here when I was a kid and still do to this day. And there is one thing that keeps us coming back, time after time... THE STELLAR DEEP DISH PIZZA!!! Well, that and the broccoli cheddar soup. [insert Homer Simpson-esque noise here] Also try the super-duper-ginormo-nachos! Delivery goes late night, so if you're craving a deep dish sausage/spinach slice of heaven, they're there for you.
(5)Mande S.
They do omelets after 8 p.m., need I say more? I've never had their pizza. I eat chicken fingers. I like their thick-cut fries. The food isn't great (typical diner-type food) but I absolutely love the ambiance of the place. The ceiling is filled with chandeleirs and lampshades and there is a ton of dark wood and deep booths. We come here after dark. The bathrooms are a bit scary but interesting. Plus, they are open pretty late on weekends. Drinks tend to be strong, which is points. Like their Long Islands. Skip the Bloody Marys.
(3)Michael B.
Have been here several times and have had no complaints until recently. Appears the place is under new ownership and it shows. The service was slow and unresponsive, the food was nothing special and when we tried to use a coupon they would not take it. We asked to speak to a manager, who ended up being the owner and he told us that if we didn't like the coupon policy then don't come here! Well guess what we won't be and I hope you won't either!
(1)Stan S.
Gulliver's is an experience worth having. You go more for the ambiance than the food. Amazing antiques surround you as you eat. it is like having a meal inside the opulent estate of a compulsive collector. If you love old, well made things this place will turn you on. The food is decent, not especially memorable. You have got to make decent pizza if you represent yourself as a Chicago pizza restaurant. The atmosphere is very much Chicago neighborhood, and that also makes it worth the visit. A unique place, comfortable and enjoyable.
(3)Rachel H.
I felt the food here was just ok, and the waitstaff had a little trouble with our large group, but the decor cracks me up the way House on the Rock does. I busted out the Polaroid more than once. Come for the awesome statues and other fun decor and play it safe and just stick with the pizza.
(3)arpan s.
great ambiance, decor , service, like..do not take the ambiance and decor for granted, the owner hoarded vintage 19th century chandeliers and there's like a clutter of them on the ceiling along with beautiful roman artwork and architecture...just go there once...theres even a restaurant .com for it or just go there for a beer/ pizza...ull love it ...patio is cool..they let you smoke and bring your drink there..i
(4)Gil N.
Gullivers, hell yeah. Great food, really good pizza, good service and plenty of crazy stuff on the walls to overstimulate you. I wouldn't recommend going there all the time, but every once in a while it hits the spot. Well, not THAT spot, but you know what I mean...
(4)Michael C.
My friends took me to some place called Gulliver's Pizza for my birthday recently. What a charming and wonderful restaurant this was! We had several different kinds of Pizza, all excellent. And coming from someone whose father made pizza for a living (among other things), this IS a compliment! We finsihed with what I must say was the best Cannolli I ever, ever had! And I am particular about my Italian sweets!! The other thing that's so NEAT about this place is the plethora of lighting fixtures from all over. They just overwhelm you. From what my friends told me, the owner just keeps on finding unique/antique/one-of-a-kind fixtures, and keeps adding them to the ceiling. BUT it doesn't look garish or overly bright. It just reminds me of an antique parlor. This place is intimate, personal, and well worth the trip! Buon Appetito!
(5)Amanda O.
I took my out-of-towner aunt here after a long day downtown sight seeing. I had pasta and she had salad. Good food with healthy portions. The service was MUCH better this time and I'll definitely be returning with other visitors.
(3)Tom H.
Gullivers has the most amazing decor of anywhere I've eaten. Over the top, and very interesting, One wonders where all the sculptures and chandeliers came from originally. Their menu is huge, and I think it can be truly said that there's something for everyone here. We've never had any problem with the service, although we've noticed that sometimes they seem understaffed (maybe that's why the wait seems long sometimes) The Chicago style pizza here is top-notch, and they're willing to put on toppings that aren't on the menu (I usually order mine with bleu cheese). My boyfriend loves their burgers (and there's quite a variety of those to try as well) . The Mexican food is rather inauthentic here, but try the mushroom quesadilla anyway. It's more mushroom than quesadilla!
(4)Tracy K.
So. Many. Lights. I love the interior of this place; it reminds me of my grandparents. I actually said that out loud last night, just before an elderly-ish woman escorted us to our table. We didn't order pizza, but the table next to us did, and it smelled/looked awesome. And judging by the way the kids at the table devoured it, it was. I ordered the mushroom quesadillas and they were exactly what I was hoping for. The bit of guacamole that comes on the side was awesome too. Their menu has a little of something for everyone, it seems. This place would be good for groups. The service was friendly but kind of slow, but then again.. it was a busy Saturday night. The bathrooms are tiny, but not gross and have an interesting amount and variety of graffiti on the stalls.
(4)Chrissy F.
Fair warning -- if you're tall, you might hit your head on all the lights and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling... The menu is huge (literally and figuratively) -- they call themselves an American, Italian, and Mexican restaurant -- and thus the menu is divided as such. And again I say, make up your mind of what type of food you want before you get there and the rest will be easy. They have really good pasta -- and excellent hard cider. Most of the food comes with some sort of appetizer beforehand, so you up your chance of bringing home a doggybag. The decorations are...interesting. I have to say the first time I ate there I was a little scared of the marble bust of a lady hanging 2 feet above my head while I ate. It didn't help that her eyes were sculpted downwards, so I felt awkward being stared at while I tried to eat and make conversation with my roommate's parents. The tables are well worn pieces of wood and the booths are comfy. The layout of this place, however, is a little confusing. Definitely follow your waitress when she seats you. It's sad to admit, but I had trouble finding my way OUT of the restaurant (as the entrance and exit aren't near each other on the inside of the restaurant, but are together on the outside...you figure it out!) They have an outside seating area also, but since my encounters with Gullivers occurred in winter, I can't comment. The downside to this eatery is its location. If you have a car or tons of patience and time to wait, then there won't be a problem. There's a bus stop nearby, but we waited for 45 minutes for a bus to get there before we gave up and called Flashcab (which took a while to get there anyway).
(5)Alyssa V.
I have to add that I agree with Erin K. I grew up 10 minutes away from Gullivers and my family used to eat Gullivers all the time. I loved it and they used to have my favorite pizza in Chicago. But last time I was house-sitting for my parents I had a disappointing experience ordering from here. They had taken away my favorite pasta dish, the angel hair pasta, so I chose baked pasta. It was bland and unexciting. The salad that came on the side was rubbish and my brother paid almost 20 dollars for a slab of ribs that he devoured but I thought were fatty and just bad quality meat. The jalapeno poppers were kind of addicting in a gross/greasy sort of way and ended up being all I bothered to eat. The food has, basically, decreased alarmingly in quality.
(2)Chris S.
Despite being a fan of their pizza and burgers, I can't give it five stars. The reason being that I've had several issues with their service. Not so much when it's dine in, because when I eat there, the service is good. When I order delivery, more often than not, I get some pretty snippy attitude. Commonly they'll say that the "owner's wife" won't allow certain exceptions and substitutions. Lame. Aside from that, Gulliver's pizza is really good. The only pizza that's better is Pequod's, which coincidentally was started by the same guy who started Gulliver's. He's sold off both restaurants and now own's a place in Morton Grove called Bill's. Also good pizza.
(4)Just Me E.
Gulliver's is a unique delight, and a staple among my neighborhood dining venues. I've been eating and ordering from here for a lo-o-o-n-n-g time, mostly for the pan (deep dish) pizza, but have recently discovered that the rest of their fare is really pretty damn good! Whooda thunk it when they advertise Italian, Mexican, and American? Anyway, the pizza is my fave for deep dish. I'll leave it at that since a discussion with 100 people about Chicago pizza will net 100 different opinions. Burgers and traditional Italian are worth checking out as well. The atmosphere is also unique. The owners have collected the light fixtures and statuary from all over the world, which provides a stimulating and satisfying visual feast. The outdoor patio is an extension of that vibe, and is a perfect place to unwind with a martini and nibbles in the summer months. The prices are reasonable, the drinks are swell, and the service is almost always top-notch. (Alexis and Paula are the two best servers there, IMO) The crowd here is definitely local, not full of yupped-up scenesters, which is OK with me. I just read in the previous review from Amanda that the owner had died. That's sad to hear. I believe Jerry was his name. He and his wife Nancy were almost always there. I hope the place continues on.
(4)Bill C.
This place is a neighborhood treasure. Great pizza and great atmosphere (it's an antique museum!). Don't forget to get a basket of the cottage fries. I have been a satisfied customer since the 1970's! In this age of chain restaurants and everything looking like a TGI Friday's clone, it is great to have a place like this still around!
(5)Jarrad M.
The pizza is top-notch. Good deep-dish pizza on a side of town that is not noted for having quality pizza. People like to remark about the interior with all lights and everything. Fine. Whatever. What's best about the place is the patio. Eat and drink outside (weather permitting)! It's even better when you do it with a group of friends. It's what makes the experience even more worthwhile.
(4)Rocky B.
This restaurant definitely has some ecclectic decor. There are hangings lamps on pretty much every spot of ceiling space. The service is very friendly too and they are very accomodating. I'm a fan of their thin crust. Just enough cheese and sauce and toppings. I can't stand when places overload their pizza with so much cheese that you can't taste anything else. They also pour a strong drink here....margarita's that will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy half way into your first drink. Another great thing about Gullivers is that they have a parking lot right across the street.
(4)Matt W.
Carryout, dine-in or delivery, Gullivers really hits the spot. I personally love their deep dish 'za, my favorite however is their stuffed pizza. Get it with pepperoni and black olives, all cheesy and melted... seriously, that's some good eating. For appetizers, their potato skins with cheese and bacon or the ones with monterey and broccoli are really first rate. During the warmer months and fall they have a really nice outdoor patio area. It's secluded and not advertised as such, but it's a nice way to start a date off. You, that special someone, their French Onion soup and good conversation and you should be off to a great start.
(5)Chris W.
Had Gulliver's last night, it's been about 5 years. Still a great deep dish pizza. And as always, they warn you that deep dish takes time to cook, so the wait was around 25 minutes, as expected. Very tasty pizza, in my top 5, and way better than the tasteless cornbread crust of a popular competitor.
(4)Sean Q.
I know someone who swears Gullivers has the best pizza. I've been there quite a few times over 20 years and its always been a "is any other place open" option. The food is par OK. I've had the ravioli which has tasted like Chef Boyardee on a plate. The Nacho Charlie Supreme used to be good years ago but now is just a podge mess of subpar ingredients. The pizza has always been their weakness in my opinion. Just not a whole lot of flavor. I always wanted to like Gullivers. They're menu is the biggest I've ever seen though and the decor is unique. It just tastes like someone ran to Jewel and got the ingredients out of a can.
(2)Tabitha T.
I placed a very large order with them. When I called to see where the order was (at the time agreed upon for delivery) the driver was still at the restaurant. Will not order from them again.
(1)Raul G.
The place is a lot of fun, the pizza is good (I really like the thin crust pizza and the burgers are fantastic), they have a great drink menu, and a great assortment of beers. Why the one star you ask?? In a word, it would be "Justin". He is a waiter that they have working there that is beyond horrible. We have had him twice and seen him in action with other customers. If he is not complaining to the other staff about being overworked and under appreciated, then he is complaining to the customers. One of the reason for going out is to get away from the everyday headaches and relax a little. I really do not need to hear how tired he is as I wait 15+ minutes to get another beer. That kind of behavior started wearing my A&# out on our last visit. I think I have only done this one other time in my life, but after a frustrating experience last Friday, I stiffed him on the tip. There you go Justin, one more thing for you to feel unhappy about!!
(1)Angela R.
It's always surprising to me to see this place not packed with people. The pan pizza is excellent: yeasty, crunchy crust, gooey cheese and tangy tomatoes. The burger and steak fries are flavorful and huge. The service was attentive and friendly. With weeknight specials or a restaurant.com certificate you get great food at a great value.
(4)Joseph F.
Awesome deep dish pizza! Up until yesterday did I think there is no other pizzeria that could hold a candle to Lou's. The crust was thick and fluffy and tasted of a well buttered pan and a high quality yeast. Okay, I know that sounds pretty pizza nerdy but I take it pretty serious- if you do too then I highly suggest Gulliver's on Howard. I am anxious to eat at the restaurant as I have heard it is quite a spectacle. The wings were not good though, stick to the pizza. UPDATE! Everything I have eaten here except the deep dish pizza has been a major dissappointment. I even went as far as throwing away all my saved up menus of Gullivers.
(2)Aesha W.
I had been persuaded to try Gulliver's, and it was really good. The inside was quite a shock, of course, with all the chandeliers, the busts, all that antique stuff. I was really surprised by their menu; they have all kinds of stuff besides pizza. We stuck with the pizza, however, and ordered an appetizer as well; I really wanted potato skins, so we got teh sampler. My drink was a little disappointing; I got something with strawberry, creme de cacao, and something else, and it was like a smoothie with a hint of chocolate syrup. Highly overpriced. Another disappointment was the fact that they don't offer free refills on their pop. It's really odd to me when any sit-down restaurant around anymore doesn't offer refills, and we didn't realize this until we were ready for another pop. I'm sure we'll be having this pizza now and again, since it's so close and it actually delivers to our apartment, whereas Gino's doesn't come this far north. Gulliver's, I would say, is now my second-favorite deep dish pizza place.
(4)Miranda K.
If live in Evanston, chances are you've passed this place on your way to or from Target. Is it an antique shop? Do they sell garden statues? Why, no, it's a restaurant. And it's Mexican/American/Italian to boot! I'd always meant to give them a shot as they've been around for a while, but was hesitant because they seem a little... unfocused. Silly me. The pan pizza is great - not too thick, not too thin, just like the menu says. These people know how to treat a crust and make an awesome sauce. The bruschette was pretty good - lots of cheese. And the delivery guy was friendly and got to my place way before they'd predicted. The salad was the sort of salad you get in a pizza place (lots of bitter, white lettuce, one sad tomato, one sad cucumber slice, weird croutons), so I'm not complaining, per se. Eh, who needs that green stuff anyway? The prices are very good and I got a free diet coke with my order. I think Gulliver's is my new pizza delivery place (replacing JB Alberto's which just wasn't cutting it), and I'll be stopping in some time with friends. If the inside looks anything like the outside, there'll be no shortage of conversation pieces!
(4)Emilian G.
Had their stuffed pan pizza. Meh, good but not excellent. Crusty, layered dough, but a bit mealy. Biggest dissapointment was the use of dried herbs in the sauce -- cheap cop-out.
(3)S C.
The decor is... eclectic. And overwhelming, and if you're a tall person you should probably not stand up too quickly, lest you bonk your head on a fixture of their indoor, 1971-era Versailles. This is really the only Chicago-style pizza I can eat; I personally hate Giordano's, and only find Lou Malnati's tolerable, but Gulliver's is great. Strangely, and I've noticed this about Pequod's (my other favorite pizza joint), too; the delivery pizza often seems better than when you eat in-house. I have no explanation for this.
(4)Amy R.
Best thin crust I've had in Chicago! Great service and so yummy, well worth trip from the city.
(5)John H.
We have been going to Gullivers for a very long time. I really think that the quality of the food and service has declined steadily since the new owners took over. We went last night and the waitress did not know the menu and did not know that they serve "house" wines (on a no name basis but usually acceptable drinking wine). The qualty of the food has deteriorated as well. This is probably our last time there. Unfortunate !!!
(2)Tori S.
Listen to the wisdom of the previous reviewers! Soggy pan pizza + 1 very cranky delivery driver + paying $30 for the privilege = 2 unhappy customers.
(2)Jill G.
Seriously good pizza. Even though the pizza was driven down to Lincoln Park from the restaurant, it didn't hurt the quality at all. Some crusts are so thin they 'don't travel well' in pizza speak, but Gulliver's is just the right thickness and it travels for sure. Freakin awesome and totally unexpected.
(5)Crafty K.
WTF?? I think I missed the memo that said I should only get pizza here. Man, I really wanted to like this place and maybe I would if I just stuck with pizza but what I ordered made me sick. I made a mistake, I'll admit it. I'll go back and just get the pizza! ******** UPDATED! So, I wanted to update my review to say that I went back to Gulliver's the other week. I wanted to try the pizza there on a weekend with a group. (plus, I was with kids and I thought they might find the place fascinating) We got the pizza - 1/2 mushroom and pep and 1/2 cheese. It was really tasty. Something about it was craveable - like maybe the cheese? It was kinda salty and super cheesy. Mmm. Anyway, the mushroom side had lots and lots of good-looking mushrooms on it (I only tolerate those so the other members of my party were pleased) and the cheesy side was super cheesy. Also, some guy at the next table got nachos that had like two HUGE scoops of guacamole on there. That was really something! My whole table awwed over it a little bit. So maybe those nachos are good too? We'll have to find out next time! GET THE PIZZA. It's tasty.
(3)Louis C.
Fun place to go with kids. Really kitschy decor with lots of odds and ends. Good garden seating area. Attentive, friendly staff. The deep dish is good but not great. Avoid the calamari as it is quite rubbery and tasteless. A wide variety of items on the menu...pasta and even Mexican. Very good chicken tenders...tastes fresh not frozen.
(3)Craig L.
Note: This review is based on my having eaten there or having picked up to-go food regularly in the Seventies & Eighties. This was my neighborhood pizza parlor. The building is decorated inside & out with architectural treasures from Chicago's past. The pizza was delicious & generous, & the other offerings on the bill of fare were pretty good as well. I hope that when I return to visit the area, it'll continue to match my memories.
(4)Jeff Z.
Pretty good food at a fair price. The interior is really nice and the outdoor seating is nice in the spring and summertime.
(5)d b.
3.5 stars actually. Solid food and service at great prices. The atmosphere kicks it up a notch, kinda weird and eclectic. The pizza was tasty with fresh ingredients. I always get sausage and mushrooms and determine how good a restaurant is by the quality of the shrooms. These were perfect and cooked perfectly. And the pizza was half off on mondays so couldn't beat the prices. Even the main italian dishes were tasty and well prepared.
(4)Joel S.
It's been ages since I dined in at Gulliver's, but it's the default pizza ordering place for me now. Fresh ingredients, great crust... almost on par with my favorite pizzas in Chicago (Lou's and Pequod's). Also, you get a free liter of coke/diet/whatever when you order a pizza, just ask!
(4)Dionna R.
Seriously good pizza. I believe that this is the best pizza in Chicago. Another must-eat is their Minestrone soup. Just good soup!
(5)Kasey K.
I'm not from Chicago, but I did a search and came to Gulliver's because it's the only place to get a baked potato late at night. I walked in and of course noticed all the beautiful antiques. I was greeted immediately and I think the owner took my order. All I ordered was a baked potato for my mom who is staying in a hospital nearby. I didn't mention this, but the owner went straight to the back and got it for me. When I went to pay, he told me not to worry about it! I thought that was so nice. He gave me a big smile and opened the door for me and I left. I went back today on another baked potato run and I was confused on where to place my order so I had to wait a couple minutes to ask. The guy actually apologized that I had to wait! Even though I was the one confused. He put my name in the computer and took my order and told me I could wait at the bar. I took a seat at the bar and the bartender Amanda offered me a drink and asked me where I was from and why I was visiting. I told her and she offered me a shot. She toasted to my mom, which was very thoughtful and when my food came everyone said goodbye to me by name. I just feel compelled to mention the excellent customer service at this sleepy little place in Evanston. I will definitely go back and bring my brother just because they made me feel so welcome! I'm from Dallas and Gulliver's truly does hospitality better than the south. I imagine this place has a lot of regulars and I encourage you to become one of them because the service is as good as it gets.
(5)B. L.
There are alot of light fixtures in here. More than you will see in any other restaurant in the city. The owner is a collector of them I was told. They keep them all dim , so as not to disturb your meal.The pizza is very thick and tasty. They have good burgers and other sandwiches and salads. This place has been around for many years and is family owned and run.
(4)Megan Y.
Love the decor! I had a vegetarian salad that was pretty bland. Ice berg lettuce and three cheese that could have come from a bag. As far as cocktails go, I would highly recommend the pomegranate martini. Delicious and good for you!
(3)CK M.
Finally stopped at Gulliver's last night for dinner after driving past at least 1000 times. The service was awesome, the ambiance weird, but fun...Wish I could say the same for the pasta. Although the stuffed shells were good, the sauce was probably the worst I've had! Bland does not even begin to describe it! Next time I am going to try the pizza......
(3)Paul C.
When I was 4 or 5 my family started going here on special occasions to eat their deep dish pizza. At the time I hated it, but I grew to love it. The recipe has long since changed, but the pizza has remained among my favorite spots in Chicago. They also have fantastic thin crust pizza. What really makes them great is the huge variety of toppings. 5 stars, mostly because it's a tradition for me, but also because the pizza stayed good.
(5)Simone G.
I'm giving this place the five star deal. I don't think I've had a bad meal here. Everything from the blackened cajun burger, to the fried veggie basket and pizza are delicious. I'm mainly writing this for the pizza review, because in all honestly this place knows how to cater to taste. The assortment of ingredients they offer is amazing, and in all honesty are really fresh and full of flavor. They really know their ovens and cook their pizzas perfectly. I love ordering with the feta, bacon, and spinach... oh my god get me there now!
(5)Richard G.
I love the stuffed pizza alway's order it during football sunday. my personal favorite is sausage,spinach,portabella mushrooms, feta and extra garlic, only eat this if you are not planning to go out that night.
(5)Jennifer H.
Is there anything that's NOT on Gulliver's menu? And better yet, is there anything that's NOT included in the restaurant's decor? I have to tell you, I love kitsch, so I love Gulliver's. It's a great place to go for groups, because the menu spans from pizza to Mexican to burgers to pasta to salads and onwards. I can't vouch for everything on the menu because that would require me to eat here daily for months, but everything I've had has been fantastic. If you're up north, Gulliver's is a great spot for a casual night out.
(5)Jason P.
Decent pizza and a huge menu with about 24 different types of food on it. It is open pretty late and they deliver. Garlic pizza has huge chunks of garlic on it, which was great!
(4)monika h.
Great pizza and beautiful restaurant. My favorite is shrimp Alfredo but their pasta is great. You can get anything your in the mood for from Mexican to Italian. The service is great friendly people and extremely patient. highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Amstaff Y.
One of the best and most unique pan pizza places in Chicago. Very cool atmosphere, unlike any place you have ever been to. Don't think I have ever tried anything else on their menu besides the pizza. Grew up going here so yeah...its a special place to me. Go for the pizza and you won't be dissapointed.
(5)Christopher M.
I've been here once. It's pretty expensive, but well worth the money. Best Italian food for the neighborhood. Plus, they have excellence olive oil for the bread. Not that cheap stuff they'll give you Olive garden.
(5)smilie d.
Great old school and gaudy. Pizza is really good but I never tried anything off their extensive menu. Love all the stained glass and antiques. Not too pricey,and service is simple, but I go late and they are usually sitting at a table rolling silver
(4)penny h.
Nice place to have a pizza. The place's ambiance is amazing ... the entire place is decorated with antiques and the ceeling is full of antique lamps... definitely worth checking it out. oh... there is parking available across the street from the restaurant.
(4)Clark K.
Great place. Unless you have a car, it is quite the trek to make it out here. However, it is well worth the trip. If you like Lou Malnati's, you will love Gulliver's. Also, the decore is fun and it has a great family restaurant feel.
(5)Chris C.
New to town and thought to try out Gullivers. There pizza is just fantastic - both the stuffed & thin crust. As others have mentioned, the sauce is just right - a little sweet with only a hint of acidity
(5)Dave H.
Shrug. Pretty disappointing pizza; I tried the thin-crust, which was soggy and had an overly sweet sauce. Artichokes were still drippy and obviously canned. I haven't been in the place, which is supposed to be good for a laugh, as it bills itself "the most beautiful restaurant in the world." Doubtful, but still funny.
(1)Carmella M.
abosolutely fabulous!!!!!!!! been going there for 29 yrs deep dish pan pizza nobody beats........aaaa+++++++++
(5)Chris S.
I took my family here when I had just moved to Chicago. Gulliver's has a rich, family-friendly interior covered with cool "stuff", and some of the best damn pizza in town. Guys, this is one of the most date-friendly places I know. Head up to Evanston afterwards and catch a movie. Highly recommended.
(5)Joe T.
Walking into Gullivers is like walking into an odd new world filled with yellow light beaming from hundreds of exotic fixtures, lots of statues, and decorations all over the place. I absolutely love it! The atmosphere is spectacular! The pizza is also excellent! I prefer the thin-crust, but Gullivers offers a variety of styles of their famous dish. The crust is crisp and the cheese is always hot but not too stringy and greasy. The soup is good, too. Even if you don't want something to eat, you have to at least take a peek inside Gullivers if you are in the area. It is definitely a step out of the ordinary and a breath of fresh air.
(5)Jennifer M.
The pizza is great but the delivery leaves something to be desired. I can't even count how many times our pizza came late and once the delivery man completly forgot the pizza. If we didn't like the pizza so much we would stop ordering from here.
(3)Amanda A.
I literally live right around the corner from this place and as I have driven by the very intriguing signs (including "best pizza," "american,italian, mexican dining" and something about antiques) I've been wanting to try it. I went the other night with my some family and friends and must say that while the staff was incredibly pleasant the menu was overwhelming. Nothing was bad but nothing was great. The prices were average as well. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised in retrospect. I think I would still go back (if not because the server informed us that the owner of the restaurant for the past forty odd years passed away last month and that our return would be a tribute to him - the guilt!) to give it another shot - at least for the pizza - you can't screw that up!
(2)Linda S.
Excellent pizza and sandwiches. Interesting decor, there's like a light fixture in every little crevice.
(4)David L.
The best spinach stuffed pizza around. And I hate spinach, so what does that say?
(5)carey f.
Honestly? While the pizza is pretty good, the main attraction of Gullivers is the decor. It's like some kind of demented Rococo nightmare, and I mean that as a compliment.
(3)Erika S.
Wonderful, wonderful Chicago style pizza. My favorite, in fact. It's one of the first things I try to eat when I come back home from school.
(5)Jeff W.
This place is awesome! My family used to eat here about once a week in the 1980's, and I still keep coming back for the ambiance and the great food... I have never had a bad meal here. And rarely was the service ever bad. The owner, Jerry, was always a stickler on service, so bad waiters or waitresses never lasted very long. Jerry and his wife (I think her name was Nancy) were avid antique collectors, and they have filled the restaurant with their treasures. As for the pizza, they are all good, but the PAN PIZZA is the best! The thin crust is average and the stuffed is very good, but it is the pan pizza that sets them apart. Some of my favorites: Fried Cheese Appetizer - easily feeds two or three - this is mozzarella sticks deep dried, and drained, covered with a meaty spaghetti sauce, the topped with more mozzarella and baked. Not for dieters, but absolutely amazing as an occasional treat. Their Nachos are also excellent, they give you a lot for your money! The French Onion Soup should not be missed, it is LOADED with onions, and is salty, and topped with mozzarella cheese. AWESOME! The blackened cajun burgers are good, and so are the belly busters. All in all, a class act. Not expensive, but if you are used to Pizza Hut prices, it might seem that way. They HAVE TO BE more expensive - they use very high quality ingredients and do not compromise. I have heard that Jerry passed away, so it will be interesting to see if they maintain their high standards. If so, they will only grow and grow. If not, then we will always have the memories.
(5)Jacob C.
This is the best spot for pizza on the North Side. Cheesy but well-proportioned deep-dish, especially the sausage (careful, it's like a wheel of sausage that they just plop on there). Cornmeal in the crust. Decor is weird, real gaudy, pretty cool... lots of old light fixtures all over the place, ornate Romantic busts and statuettes. All the sculpted bosoms used to make me uncomfortable as a kid, but even then I loved the deep dish spinach. Take a trip.
(5)Nicole C.
I LOVE this place. It had so much pizazz to it. First off the decor is hysterical. It is a gaudy horder's parardise. The food is good. There is parking across the street. Reasonable prices, nice service. All in all a nice place for a meal. Not really a first date type place but definitely a "been going out for a while place"/dinner with friends/family.
(5)Nick B.
Good chicago style pizza coming at you. After Giordano's and maybe Carmen's, this place serves up just about the best stuffed pizza around, but there thin crust is good too. They deliver and are open late.
(4)James K.
If you're looking for some kick-ass pizza in Chicago, this is the place!
(5)Bruce N.
My girlfriend & I were on our way to a party in Lincoln Square (from the N. 'burbs) and we needed to have dinner before the alcohol. I thought of Gulliver's. I hadn't eaten there in about 25 years and it hasn't changed one bit (they've been in the same location since 1965). My "Chicken" had a BLT chicken sandwich which was plump, juicy and just as the menu described. She could only finish half. I ordered the Continental Burger. A one-half pound of medium-rare ground beef with grilled onions and mushrooms. I asked for it with bleu cheese and I swear it had a 1/4" of gooey cheese on it. The dark rye made it a perfect burger! We both had fresh cottage fries served with our sandwiches, and a couple of generous pre-party cocktails. PERFECT! The decor was just as I remembered. Stained glass, statuary, and wood. Loaded with antiques, you could spend hours just looking around. Go there...it's worth the trip!
(4)Renato P.
The pizza is really good , the Mexican food is alright , the pastas are decent , the appetizers are really good , the fish and grilled fare ... not that great. If this place served any one of these types of food , it would be a decent place. What sets it apart is the GINORMOUS menu , you can spend the better part of 10 minutes just to read the whole menu. While most of the food not great, everything I've tried is solid if not spectacular , and I've tried almost a third of the menu. Service is good for groups from 1 to 20(I've been in both). Most of the staff knows most if not all the menu and are nice enough. The Decor is another thing that sets this place apart , I've never seen any place like it. It is both classy and extraordinarily gaudy at the same time. Somehow it works for me , and anyone I've brought there. I live really far from Gulliver's now, and I've never lived closer than 20 minutes away. Somehow I've been there dozens of times and always left full and free of regret of my choice of restaurant. This place is ideal if you or your group can't make up their minds for what they want to eat , here ,you don't have to.
(4)mollye p.
This is my FAVORITE restaurant in the entire city of Chicago. I've been going to Gullivers forever. The manager knows my family pretty well because of how long we've been dining there. First off, the atmostphere is sooooo cool. The owner decorates the place with antiques. He finds statues, chandeliers, pictures, mirrors, doors, etc and the place is filled with them. The lighting is dim which gives it a cool rustic/antique feel and there's a bar with a big screen TV that usually has sports on it. There's an out door seating area that is gorgeous too. Food wise, Gullivers has everything. They have an assortment of appetizers ranging from nachos to sauteed portebello mushrooms. They have a ton of burger and sandwich choices, pizza, salads, etc. They have 3 different categories for dinners...Italian dishes, American dishes, and Mexican dishes. You basically can't go wrong going to this place and finding something to eat. There will be food for even the most picky people. They have kids menus too. I don't drink but the bar seems to be pretty popular there. It's always clean and it's usually got a ton of people in it. I recommend it to everyone!
(5)jason h.
good pizza not so cheesy for my damp heat
(4)David B.
Seriously, what other place can you order a taco, a deep dish pizza, a burger and a chopped salad at the same time? Gulliver's is really known for their italian and pizza. Arguably some of the best pizza in Chicago. Their deep dish is in a style similar to Peaquod's and Burt's, which shouldn't be a surprise if you know the history behind these restaurants. Their other italian dishes like the eggplant and chicken parm are excellent too. HUGE portions. I've never been too keen on their Mexican dishes. The decor at this place is also something to been seen! Very kitchy and interesting. Their outdoor patio is great in the summer.
(4)Pamela B B.
Actually, it's been a while since I've been to Gulliver's on Howard Street, but I have always loved this place. I first got to experience their incredible deep dish pizza back in 1990. I used to work up in Rogers Park and my employer would take everyone out for pizza around the holidays. Such a beautiful place to have any holiday party, especially with all of the extraordinary Tiffany lamps. The last time I ate there, about 4 years ago, there weren't as many Tiffany lamps as I'd remembered, but nonetheless, the restaurant is still quite charming and wonderful antiques. Great pasta too. Love that deep dish pizza!
(4)Vickey M.
The most amazing pizza in the Chicagoland area!
(5)Gary W.
The recent passing of the original owner and then the sale of the business has caused the quality of food to diminish to an ordinary,run of the mill, pizza joint. Sad, Very sad. I had been going there for over 30 years.After we moved we still drove 20 miles round trip to get their pizza. Well no more! It wasn't me, but the kids asked if we could order some place else, they could taste the difference. Oh well it was great before the change and it was a good run. Hate to say it but the end is near for Gullivers.........No Stars. I had to enter one to post but I'm taking it back....Sorry!
(1)Giselle C.
Been here a couple of times. If you're getting an entree it's better to eat at the restaurant than have it delivered because it doesn't taste the same and the portions are smaller. The pizza is pretty good, I usually prefer pepperoni, but like the sausage here better. They're great about honoring coupons and promotions from other restaurants in the area.
(4)Benjamin H.
Personally, i'm a huge fan of Gulliver's. The pies are always really well done and more in the style ala Burt's....which I guess in pizza theory, would be less is more. It's Chicago style, but without the gluttonous amount of cheese and crust. The ingredients are always fresh, the service is always fantastic and the ambiance is...well...what every Friday's or Chili's wishes they could be! Really, if your a fan of Burt's, much like Pequods, it's a must-stop in tracing the evolution of his pies.
(4)Eliza B.
I'll be the first to admit I've eaten here before and its never been great, but tonight's visit takes the cake as the absolute worst experience. The service was awful, the salad was brown and wilted, and the pizza was cold. The waitress was polite but non existent. I had to get up and get my own water after asking for a refill and waiting 25 minutes to no avail. I ordered a pomegranate martini and it tasted like a melted watery cherry freezy pop. We waited an eternity for the pizza and when it came it was cold and the cheese began to coagulate. It was gross. The kicker, and this is a good one, the waitress at the table next to us was standing talking to her table with HER HANDS DOWN HER PANTS!!! If I had not been in so much shock and had any piece of mind, I would have taken a picture to prove to everyone that this happened. All I could do is blurt out rather loudly "Oh my God, she has her hands down her pants. I would hate to have my food delivered by her". So if you go here and you get very plain looking waitress with very curly blond hair, ask to be moved. Sanitation is not her priority. Not sure sanitation is a priority at this establishment in general. My suggestion, get carry out. The less interaction you have with anyone here the better and the pizza may be warm.
(1)