About Old City Pizzeria & Sports Bar

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We’re Peter and Alex, two friends brought together by a shared love for great food, good drinks, and creating places where people feel at home.  We've teamed up with Fred and Marisa—the original legends behind this spot—to bring over 50 years of pizza-making tradition into a bold new chapter for Niles.

Peter is a proud Greek-American physician who grew up in the restaurant world and has always had a passion for hospitality.  As the owner of Flanagan’s Bar & Grill in North Chicago and someone who’s lived across the country and world, he’s picked up a deep appreciation for regional flavors, evolving food trends, and what makes a local spot feel like home.

Alex brings over 15 years of experience in hospitality, with a specialty in espresso and cocktail culture.  Trained as a barista in Greece, Alex knows his coffee—from the perfect freddo to the smoothest espresso martini in town.  His eye for detail, love for presentation, and talent behind the bar (just try the cucumber martini) bring a fresh and refined energy to the experience.

Marisa, of Italian descent and fluent in Italian, comes from a family where pizza is practically in the DNA.  Her passion for the craft and deep-rooted tradition give every pizza on the menu a touch of Old World authenticity.  She’s been part of this location’s journey from the beginning and remains the heart behind our classic pies.

And then there’s Fred. Though not Italian by heritage, you’d never know it from the way he works the dough.  Fred is the joy of this location—funny, charismatic, and incredibly skilled.  His pizzas rival the best, and his personality brings warmth and laughter to everyone who walks through our doors.

At Old City, it’s more than just food—it’s a family. 

At Old City Pizzeria & Sports Bar, we believe that great food starts with great ingredients—and you can taste the care and quality in every single bite.

Our pizzas are made from scratch using our own homemade dough, freshly shredded mozzarella, and ingredients prepped in-house every day.  From our signature stuffed pies to our classic thin crust, each pizza is hand-crafted with tradition, precision, and a whole lot of love.  It’s the kind of pizza that brings people together—and keeps them coming back.

But we don’t stop at pizza.  We’re proud to offer a menu full of bold flavors and comforting favorites.  Our smashburgers are made with fresh ground chuck, never frozen, seasoned directly on the grill, and cooked to order for that perfect crispy edge and juicy center.  Each burger is served on a soft, golden bun delivered fresh every morning from a local bakery—because the details matter. 

Our wings?  Big, meaty, and seriously satisfying. We start by oven-roasting them for tenderness, then flash-fry them to lock in that crave-worthy crisp finish.  It’s the best of both worlds in every bite.

And to top it off—literally—we make all our sauces from scratch.  From our creamy dill ranch and tangy smashburger sauce to our rich, slow-simmered marinara, everything is made in-house for unmatched freshness and flavor.

At Old City, we’re committed to real food, made right. No shortcuts.  No compromises. Just honest, delicious meals served with pride.

Come hungry.  Leave happy.  Taste the difference.

  At Old City Pizzeria & Sports Bar, our team is the heart of everything we do.  Behind every pizza, burger, and cocktail is a crew of passionate, hardworking individuals who care deeply about the food we serve and the experience we create—whether you're dining in, picking up, or having it delivered.

Our pizza makers have been perfecting their craft here for over 20 years.  Their hands have shaped the recipes, flavors, and consistency our regulars have counted on for decades.  Alongside them is a kitchen team that blends long-time dedication with fresh talent—new members who bring creativity, technique, and a modern edge to favorites like our smashburgers, wings, pastas, and wraps.  This combination of seasoned expertise and fresh energy helps us deliver food that’s both familiar and exciting.

Our delivery drivers are also a key part of the experience.  Unlike third-party services, our drivers are fully dedicated to Old City.  They know our menu, our neighborhood, and our standards—and that means faster, more reliable service with a personal touch.  (No offense to the apps—we appreciate them too.)

Many of our team members have been with us for years, while others are just starting their journey here—but together, they’ve quickly become a family.  Everyone brings something special to the table, and that’s what makes Old City feel like more than just a restaurant.

When you visit, we hope you not only taste the difference—but feel it too.  Welcome to our team, our table, and our story.