Homemade Pizza School

Updated: August 5, 2023

Reading Time: 5 Minutes

Little Pops Pizzeria: NY Pizza Dreams in Naperville

little pops ny pizzeria logo

Welcome to our monthly pizzeria review, pizza enthusiasts! Today, we’re taking a bite out of Little Pops Pizzeria, located at 1819 Wehrli Road in Naperville, IL. Now, you might be wondering why self-proclaimed home pizza chefs like ourselves are reviewing pizzerias.

Well, let me tell you, folks, when it comes to pizza, we know our stuff. For our Little Pops Pizza Review, what caught our attention was their listing on Yelp with their unique combination of New York style pizza in the heart of the Midwest. In Minnesota, Mama’s was the only one to make the Yelp “Best Pizza in the US” list in 2023 [#62 out of 100]. So, let’s dive in and see if this Illinois pizzeria lives up to the hype!

We’re always traveling and would love to be contacted about your pizzeria, too! We even found NY style pizza in Tianjin, China.

little pops pizzeria atmosphere
Little Pops NY Pizzeria

The Little Pops Ambiance

As we walked into Little Pops Pizzeria, we were greeted by the cozy and inviting atmosphere. The red-checkered tablecloths, the dimly lit Edison bulb lights, and the aroma of fresh pizza in the air transported us straight to the streets of New York City.

Despite being located outside Chicago where delicious deep dish and tasty tavern-style reign supreme, Little Pops Pizzeria has managed to capture the essence of a classic New York pizza slice right there in the suburbs.

The open kitchen allows you to catch a glimpse of the skilled pizza makers tossing dough and creating masterpieces with their toppings. The friendly and attentive staff made me feel right at home, and I couldn’t wait to dig into their menu.

The walls are covered with everything New York style. Pictures of Babe Ruth, references to the famed Subway system, and all the checkered table clothes. We don’t know what someone from NYC would say, but it felt authentic to us. Maybe it’s like a Outback Steakhouse for Australians situation, though.

little pops pizza menu
The Little Pops Menu

The Menu – Little Pops Pizza Review

Looking closely at the menu, Little Poppies offers a wide selection of New York style pizzas that will make your taste buds dance with joy. From classic cheese to creative combinations like anchovies, olives, and pineapple, there’s something for everyone. They even have a gluten-free option for when that’s needed.

What caught our eye was their unique twist on traditional toppings. For instance, their Mighty Mason pizza features spicy sausage and whipped ricotta, giving it a delightful kick of spiciness. They also offer a build-your-own pizza option, allowing you to customize your pie with your favorite toppings.

little pops pizza review might mason pizza
The Might Mason Pizza

But it’s not just about pizza at Little Pops Pizzeria. Their menu also includes appetizers, salads, calzones, and pasta dishes. We couldn’t resist trying their Garlic Knots, which were soft, doughy, and bursting with garlicky flavor. The Caesar Salad was fresh and crisp, and their homemade marinara sauce was the perfect accompaniment to the Calzone, which was oozing with gooey cheese and savory fillings.

As a home pizza chef, I appreciate Little Pops Pizzeria’s commitment to using fresh and high-quality ingredients. All food is made to order and it shows in the fresh taste of their pizzas.

The crust is just like a true New York slice, with the right amount of chewiness. The sauce is tangy and not overly sweet, and the cheese is gooey and melty, stretching with each bite. The toppings are generously piled on, providing a burst of flavor in every mouthful. Little Pops Pizzeria truly knows how to create a pizza that hits all the right notes.

little pops pizza review location
Outside the restaurant

Little Pops Location

Now, let’s talk about the location – located in Naperville, IL, this pizzeria brings a taste of New York to the Midwest. As a self-proclaimed home pizza chef, I was initially skeptical about finding authentic New York style pizza in Illinois. However, Little Pops Pizzeria exceeded my expectations with their delicious pies that rival those of the Big Apple. The fact that they’ve been able to capture the essence of a classic New York pizzeria is a testament to their dedication to crafting high-quality pizza that stands out in the Midwest.

Little Pops Pizzeria has become a local favorite 814 miles away from NYC, drawing in pizza lovers from all over the area. The convenient location makes it easily accessible for both dine-in and take-out options. Whether you’re a Naperville local or just passing through, Little Pops Pizzeria is a must-visit destination for pizza enthusiasts looking for a taste of New York in the heart of the USA.

If you have an hour or so to burn, watch their delightful story on YouTube:

YouTube video

Our Little Pops Pizza Review

Now, let’s talk about the service at Little Pops Pizzeria. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and friendly smile. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, making recommendations and answering all my questions.

The service was prompt, and my order was prepared with care. They even accommodated my custom pizza request with a smile. It’s evident that the team at Little Pops Pizzeria takes pride in their work and strives to provide exceptional service to their customers. It made my dining experience all the more enjoyable.

Another aspect that stood out to me was the attention to detail in Little Pops Pizzeria’s decor. The red-checkered tablecloths, vintage-inspired lighting, and New York-themed artwork on the walls created an ambiance that transported me to a classic pizzeria in the heart of New York City.

It’s clear that the owners put thought into creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere for their guests. It’s a place where you can enjoy your pizza with a side of nostalgia and a dash of humor – the witty pizza signs on the walls had me chuckling throughout my meal.

homemade pizza school little pops pizza review the owners
Apparently, these were the owners!

I couldn’t resist trying to recreate their style of pizza at home. While their pizza is truly unique and has its own flair, I was inspired to experiment with some more New York-style pizza recipes and toppings. I must say, our homemade version came close to the flavors and textures, but there’s something about the authenticity and craftsmanship of their pies that truly sets them apart.

Our Little Pops Pizzeria Review concludes that it’s a gem, offering a taste of New York close-ish to home. From their delicious pizza with its thin and chewy crust, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese, to their creative toppings and other menu options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The attention to detail in their decor, the friendly service, and the convenient location all add to the overall experience of dining at Little Pops Pizzeria. We were thoroughly impressed with their pizza and the culinary adventure they provide.

So if you find yourself in the suburbs of Chicago, make sure to check out Little Pops Pizzeria for a memorable pizza experience that will leave you craving more. It’s a little slice of New York right in the heart of the Midwest, and it’s definitely worth a visit!

If you find yourself in China, check our Pizza Bianca Tianjin for authentic Italian style – you can really find it all over the world~


Little Pops Pizzeria Review
homemade pizza school little pops pizza review inside ambiance

Our Little Pops Pizza Review concludes that it's a gem, offering a taste of New York close-ish to home. From their delicious pizza with its thin...

Address: 1819 Wehrli Road, Naperville, Illinois, 60565, United States of America

Geo Coordinates: 41.735890, -88.099100

Phone Number: (630) 210-8084

Price Range: $$

Opening Hours

Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Opening Time: 11:00

Closing Time: 21:00

Days: Sunday

Opening Time: 12:00

Closing Time: 20:00

Serves Cuisine: Pizza, Italian

Menu URL: https://www.littlepopspizzeria.com/menu

One of our Favorites

Set the stage for a memorable pizza night with the iconic red checkered pattern that complements any kitchen decor. Made from durable materials, this table cloth is not only stylish but also practical for easy cleanup. Make your kitchen or backyard picnic table look and feel like it’s straight from New York. Or Pizza Hut.

Share With Other Pizza Lovers:

ooni Brand

Ooni pizza ovens have gained a reputation as the go-to choice for homemade pizza enthusiasts, and for good reason. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovative design sets them apart in the realm of pizza ovens. One of the standout features of Ooni pizza ovens is their versatility. Whether you prefer the classic taste of wood-fired pizza or the convenience of gas or charcoal, Ooni offers models to suit every preference. This versatility allows home chefs to experiment with different cooking methods to achieve their desired flavor profiles and textures.

Pizzelo Brand

Elevate your homemade pizza game with Pizzelo’s precision-engineered pizza ovens. Achieve that perfect, crispy crust and gooey cheese you’ve been dreaming about every time you smell pizza. With customizable temperature control and quick heating, enjoy authentic pizzeria taste in the comfort of your home. Unleash your inner chef with Pizzelo – where passion meets perfection.

Related Pizza Posts

Best Pizza in Phuket: Unveiling the Top Spots for a Slice

outside great leap brewery in beijing

Great Leap Brewery Pizza Review: Expert Insight on Flavor and Experience in China

tube station pepperoni pizza

Tube Station Pizza Review: Tianjin’s Unexpected Slice of NY Flavor

pizza bianca review

Pizza Bianca Review: Tianjin’s Must-Try Pizzeria

our two choices this trip to mesa pizza

Mesa Pizza Review: A Slice of Minneapolis

buy godfathers pizza sauce and try today

Godfather’s Pizza Sauce: The Best Store Bought Pizza Sauce Available Online

Related Pizza Categories

Authors

DK & Eliana

DK & Eliana

Thanks for reading about our homemade pizza journey! We're a young married couple who started making pizza at home on our wedding night and haven't looked back yet. We've learned over countless attempts of trial and error how to make the perfect pizza sauce, pizza dough, and exactly which pizza accessories to buy for your home setup...

FYI When you make a purchase or, sometimes, carry out some other action as direct result of clicking on a link at Homemade Pizza School, we will receive a small commission. Gratzie!

Recent Pizza Posts

Upgrade your home/kitchen’s homemade pizza setup with authentic commercial pizzeria-style pizza dough proofing boxes. They hold all the dough you need for an awesome pizza night prep with friends and family. Size is 17.25 x 13 x 3.54 inches and fit perfectly in our home fridge…

Our Pizza Favorites:

These cup & char pepperoni cups from Battistoni brand are by far our top seller here on the blog. They’re the single best topping we use on our own homemade pizzas (as we almost always use pepperoni) and probably order them monthly, at least. Want those lovely charred pep cups? Buy Battistoni.

By a large margin, this is the most affordable, albeit tiny, pizza “oven” on the market today. Sold at Uncommon Goods, this personal-sized pizza maker is perfect for children or picky eaters who only want their specific toppings. Note: only works with charcoal grills. Try it today!

We love the authentic Italian-style Neapolitan pizzas from Talia di Napoli! Now you can do, for a limited time offer of 20% off all of their pizza packs. We recommend the Taste of Talia~