Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Citizen Pie – Cleveland
Citizen Pie - Cleveland
Photo from Citizen Pie
Citizen Pie at a glance
Cleveland Hingetown
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 104 of the guests
#24 out of 62 places to eat in Cleveland
#3 Pizzeria out of 8 in Cleveland
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
499
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Pizza quality
- Good atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- High prices
- Food quality issues
The restaurant Citizen Pie, a popular pizzeria in Cleveland’s vibrant Hingetown neighborhood, invites you to experience its cozy atmosphere. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This Cleveland gem offers a diverse menu, including delicious vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re craving classic pizza or exploring organic dishes, you’re in for a treat.
Overview: Introducting Citizen Pie
Citizen Pie generally delivers a satisfying experience, with many patrons commending the quality of its main offerings. The overall vibe, often enhanced by unique touches, frequently contributes positively to the visit, creating a pleasant backdrop for your meal.
You’ll find the pizza to be a consistent highlight, often praised for its flavor and preparation. However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies in service, with occasional reports of staff being less than welcoming.
While many appreciate the overall atmosphere, there are mixed feelings regarding the price, with some finding certain items a bit steep. These points are worth considering before your visit.
Good
7.6
out of 10
499
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
97
negative
23
neutral
379
positive
Citizen Pie earns a solid overall score of 7.6, indicating a generally good dining experience, which is further supported by a 76% customer satisfaction rate. This suggests that the majority of patrons leave content, though there’s certainly room for refinement.
With 379 positive remarks out of 499 total, the feedback leans strongly positive. The Food (8) clearly stands out as a major draw, receiving the highest praise and the most discussion.
The Ambience (7.8) also garners strong appreciation, contributing significantly to the positive experience. While Service (6.8) is rated as good, it sits slightly lower, and Value (4.5) is perceived as average, indicating some customers feel the pricing could be more competitive.
What people like
- Exceptional pizza quality
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Perceived high prices
- Unmelted cheese/burnt food
Citizen Pie offers a compelling experience for those prioritizing well-crafted pizza and a distinctive setting. The quality of the food consistently earns high marks, making it a worthwhile stop if you’re seeking a flavorful meal.
With a recommendation score of 7.9, it’s generally seen as a place worth trying. However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and pricing concerns that some customers have noted.
If you’re looking for a casual spot with good food and a unique atmosphere, Citizen Pie could be a good fit, but manage expectations regarding value and service consistency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Citizen Pie
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, you're in for a treat! With a good score of 8 and a solid 81.2% customer satisfaction, the overwhelming sentiment is positive. Out of 293 comments, 238 rave about the delicious wood fired pizza, fresh ingredients, and authentic Neapolitan style pies, often highlighting the unique choices and perfect crust.
However, not everyone was completely thrilled, with 41 opinions noting some areas for improvement. A few found the crust soggy or the cheese unmelted, and some felt the portion size was a bit small, occasionally leading to a floppy experience for some.
Food
293
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
41
negative
14
neutral
238
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious wood fired pizza
- Fresh ingredients
- Authentic Neapolitan style
What people don't like
- Soggy crust
- Small portion size
- Unmelted cheese
Often praised
- pizzaThe blend of crisp vegetables with classic pepperoni was a perfect balance, proving that even comfort food can surprise you. The pizza itself was a masterpiece of texture and timing; the oven melted the cheese to a perfect, stretchy, golden, and bubbling consistency. It arrived piping hot, fresh, and full of flavor.
- foodI really appreciated that they didn't alter the original building inside, which added to the unique atmosphere. The food was so good, and it's a great experience being able to see your pie cooking in the stone oven. I stopped by after visiting the West Side Market, which is conveniently located right down the road.
- FoodMy experience at the restaurant was excellent! I was particularly impressed with the Food 🔥 and Service 🔥. It was also a great convenience that there was parking readily available on the side of the shop.
- crusta nice chewy Neapolitan-style crust (with toasty bubbles for you dough-heads)
- pizzasI stopped in on a Sunday night and Mia was running the show solo. You wouldn’t have known it by how quickly the pizzas came out, the continued great service, and the best pizza in the area. I will definitely be back!
- pieI'm so happy my daughter recommended this place. Thank you for your amazing pie and even better customer service! It was so good that I started eating before I could even take a picture because I couldn't wait and couldn't stop once I started!
- sauceThe crust, sauce, and sausage are nearly perfect!
- toppingsMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, centered around a pizza made to perfection. The thin crust was slightly toasted, and the excellent ingredients and high quality toppings contributed to a good, clean pizza that was both fulfilling and satisfying. It truly felt like pizza made the way it was in Rome 2000 years ago.
- wood fired pizzaalways love wood fired pizza
- Italian pizzaSorry, Papa John's, Pizza Hut, and Domino's. Citizen Pie is top tier for delicious and authentic Italian pizza. I recommend the New Yorker.
Frequently criticized
- pizzaI'm unsure if there were new staff cooking, but the taste reminded me of childhood Chef Boyardee pizza kits. While the atmosphere was cool, the under cooked doughy pizza at $18 made it not worth the gamble to return.
- cheeseThe cheese wasn't even melted all the way thru
- crustthe crust was not warm whatsoever and not the least bit crispy
- Burrata cheesepizza was missing the Burrata cheese that he ordered
- Italian sausagemy Little Italy pizza was missing the Italian sausage
- Little Italy pizzamy Little Italy pizza was missing the Italian sausage
- alcohol optionsI recommend the New Yorker. 😘🤌🏽 I would love for them to have more alcohol options like Smirnoff bottles or wine coolers. We had the White Claw.
- beer with the pizzathey don't serve beer with the pizza
- burnt pizzaIt was gross. $17 for burnt pizza
- cold cheesehe just scooped cold cheese piles on his pizza
If you're craving delicious, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few folks have encountered issues with soggy crust or smaller portion sizes, so manage your expectations on those fronts.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive! With a score of 6.8, its generally good, and customer satisfaction sits at a 66.4% mixed level. Many guests, 73 out of 110 comments, praised the friendly staff, speed, and hospitality.
The owner often gets a shout-out for creating a welcoming atmosphere, with many noting excellent, quick, and attentive service that truly elevates the experience. However, not everyone had a smooth experience. Around 34 comments highlighted issues like long waiting time and slow service, sometimes due to one person working.
Some felt the staff was rude to customers or unhelpful, leading to a feeling of not being welcomed. The self service model also occasionally led to confusion or frustration, especially regarding automatic tips and cleanup expectations.
Service
110
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
34
negative
3
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Quick service speed
- Owner's hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Self-service issues
Often praised
- serviceI stopped in on a Sunday night and Mia was running the show solo. You wouldn’t have known it by how quickly the pizzas came out, the continued great service, and the best pizza in the area. I will definitely be back!
- staffI absolutely love the food. The staff was pretty chill but attentive to be sure we love what we are experiencing. We ordered the New Yorker and I melted in my seat.
- ServiceMy experience at the restaurant was excellent! I was particularly impressed with the Food 🔥 and Service 🔥. It was also a great convenience that there was parking readily available on the side of the shop.
- James and MiaThank you James and Mia for everything
- JoeJoe was super welcoming and engaging
- Mia and NickMia and Nick took care of everything accurately and quickly
- StaffStaff is always amazing and kind.
- buss the tablebuss the table when you're done
- crewfriendly crew inside
- customer serviceeven better customer service!!
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice, Workers were kinda rude and short
- staffThe staff's response was unhelpful, stating, 'I don’t know what to tell you, you have to cancel it. ' There was no apology offered, and the overall demeanor was rude.
- apologyThe apology offered was halfhearted at best, casual
- orderour order has been ready for a while. No one called it out
- phoneI’m not even sure how you accomplish unmelted cheese AND fire damage on the food. To make matters worse, after spending $20, they wouldn’t answer the phone when I tried to call about the issue. I would advise others not to waste their money.
- DoorDashDoorDash has been off for hours
- OrdersOrders placed later than ours came out first
- beverageUpon reviewing the bill at home, I noticed a 20% tip was automatically added, and there was also a tip jar on the counter. I received no service; I had to get my own beverage and pick up my food when it was ready. I even had to clean my own table when I was done.
- cleanup after yourselfMy experience at this restaurant was that the food was just okay. It's pretty much self-serve and you have to cleanup after yourself. Because of this, we won't be returning.
- email confirmationeven though I got an email that the order was confirmed
So, if youre looking for quick, friendly service and a welcoming vibe, youll likely have a great time, especially if the owner is around. Just be prepared for a self-service setup and the possibility of slower moments or less attentive staff, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
The vibe here is a definite hit, boasting a 7.8 score and a solid 82.4% customer satisfaction! Guests frequently praise the great atmosphere, cool space, and relaxing environment. Many love the music and decor, especially the open-concept kitchen where you can watch your pizza being made.
Plus, parking is often a breeze, contributing to the positive experience noted in 61 remarks. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 9 negative comments mention issues with blaring music making conversation difficult, and some found the seating to be limited, describing it as a smaller spot or cramped.
While parking was mostly positive, a couple of guests did find parking' a bit hard to find at times, so keep that in mind.
Ambience
74
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun, modern atmosphere
- Engaging open kitchen
- Great music, decor
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere and service were both rated a 5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- musicThe 70's disco music brought back great memories
- barsit @ the bar. Watch them make your pie
- decorthe decor in this place is fantastic
- parkingI was particularly impressed with the Food 🔥 and Service 🔥. It was also a great convenience that there was parking readily available on the side of the shop. I highly recommend this place!
- placeI can confidently say it's the best pizza I've ever had. The entire staff is incredibly friendly, the place is very clean, and the atmosphere is great. I'm proud to deliver for such a wonderful establishment!
- vibegreat music and vibe
- Price Is Right on the TVThere’s an affordable lunch special that includes a one-topping pizza, salad, and a drink for $15. Add in a great disco/funk soundtrack and vintage eps of Price Is Right on the TV, and you’ve got a nice little escape from the workday!
- abundant spacefree parking lot offering abundant space
Frequently criticized
- parkingit’s a smaller spot so sometimes there is a wait
- atmospherenot a real friendly place
- blaring musicthe blaring music was terrible for having a conversation.
- musicMusic was loud
- place for watching sporting eventsnot the best place for watching sporting events
- restaurant hoursrestaurant is open until 10:00 as per Google
- seatingNot much seating in the restaurant
- tableCleaned off table when I was done
If youre looking for a lively spot with great music, cool decor, and an engaging open kitchen, this place is worth a visit. Just be aware that it can get a bit loud, and seating might be snug, so its perhaps not ideal for quiet, intimate conversations.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found real gems, especially with the lunch combo and lunch special options, praising their reasonable prices. With 7 positive remarks, many highlight great deals like an affordable $15 special and a $6 giant chef salad, making it a budget-friendly choice for certain items. However, the overall sentiment around value is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a rather low 31.8%.
Many find things pricey, noting issues like unexpected bill additions and questioning the value for money. With 13 negative comments, some felt they paid too much for pizza or encountered added tips, contributing to an average score of 4.5.
Value
22
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable lunch specials
- Reasonable pizza deals
- Generous chef salad
What people don't like
- Overall high prices
- Unexpected added tips
- Poor pizza value
Often praised
- pricewell priced
- chef saladMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was incredibly impressed with the giant and meaty chef salad, especially considering it was only $6. The pizzas were also very good, with the margarita pizza being my favorite.
- lunch combothe lunch combo was a great deal
- lunch specialan affordable lunch special that includes a one-topping pizza, salad, and a drink for $15
- pricesReasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceThe crust was cardboard-like, and each slice had only about three small pieces of mozzarella that pulled off easily, leaving just the bread. It was overpriced and not worth it. I'm sorry to say, if this is considered the best pizza in Cleveland, then that's very sad.
- billlooking at bill when I got home and noticed there was a 20% tip added
- cokeThe coke I ordered with the pie was pricey
- eat in chargeMake sure you don't get charged an eat in charge
- moneyDon’t waste your money
- pizzaWhen I mentioned it, one of the staff suggested remaking it, but the oven guy refused. The pizza was gross, and paying $17 for burnt pizza was unacceptable.
- priceyOverall it was a bit pricey
- tipthere was a 20% tip added....plus there was a tip jar on the counter
- value for moneyThe crust was cardboard-like, and each slice had only about three small pieces of mozzarella that pulled off easily, leaving just the bread. It was overpriced and not worth it. I'm sorry to say, if this is considered the best pizza in Cleveland, then that's very sad.
If you're looking for specific lunch deals or a chef salad, you might find some good value here. However, be wary of the general pricing and check your bill carefully, as many customers felt it was overpriced and not worth the money for other items.
How are the prices at Citizen Pie?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 104 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Pizzeria, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests (80 out of 104) are right in that $11–$20 sweet spot. So, prices definitely cluster around the average, with just a few venturing into higher or lower spending.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 104 reviews.
How this Pizzeria’s value stacks up against similar spots in Cleveland.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Pizzeria in Cleveland. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Citizen Pie
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Missing Pizza and High Price
I ordered 2 pizzas for delivery and only received one. Either the driver ate it or they didn’t send it. I paid $51 for 1 pizza.
- pizza1
- price1
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
5
Pizza Good, Service Bad
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The pizza itself wasn't bad at all, but the service was a significant issue. Pizzas came out slow, and orders placed later than mine were served first.
Upon reviewing the bill at home, I noticed a 20% tip was automatically added, and there was also a tip jar on the counter. I received no service; I had to get my own beverage and pick up my food when it was ready. I even had to clean my own table when I was done.
While the food concept is okay, their execution of service is BS.
- pizza7
- Pizzas5
- Orders2
- bill2
- tip2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Pizza, Fast Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The pizza was excellent, and they were incredibly fast, making it in about 5 minutes 😋. I tried both the pepperoni and the margarita pizzas.
I highly recommend stopping by for a beer and some pizza to support your neighbors 🫡.
- pizza10
- pepperoni9
- margarita9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Self-Serve, No Return
My experience at this restaurant was that the food was just okay. It's pretty much self-serve and you have to cleanup after yourself. Because of this, we won't be returning.
- food5
- self-serve5
- cleanup after yourself3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Undercooked Pizza, Cool Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the food quality. It seemed like an off day for the kitchen, as everyone's pizza appeared underdone. My own pizza had cheese that wasn't even fully melted.
I'm unsure if there were new staff cooking, but the taste reminded me of childhood Chef Boyardee pizza kits. While the atmosphere was cool, the under cooked doughy pizza at $18 made it not worth the gamble to return.
- atmosphere5
- pizza2
- cheese2
- price2
What Citizen Pie offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and dietary options can you expect at Citizen Pie in Cleveland?
At Citizen Pie, you can enjoy a casual and trendy dining experience with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer a wide range of options, including delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes, organic selections, and small plates. You can also find quick bites, complemented by a selection of wine, beer, and coffee.
What service options and amenities are available for you at Citizen Pie in Hingetown?
Citizen Pie provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery for your convenience. When you visit, you’ll find amenities like free Wi-Fi and a restroom. Parking is also convenient, with options for free street parking, paid parking garages, and lots, often with plenty of space available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Citizen Pie?
Citizen Pie has a good overall score of **7.6** and a customer satisfaction rate of **76%**, indicating that most patrons have a positive experience. The restaurant receives significantly more positive feedback than negative.
What aspects of Citizen Pie do customers appreciate most?
Customers particularly praise the **Food** (8) for its quality, often highlighting the pizza. The **Ambience** (7.8) also receives strong positive feedback for its unique atmosphere and decor, contributing to an enjoyable visit.
Are there any common concerns about Citizen Pie?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in **Service** (6.8), with occasional reports of unhelpful staff. Additionally, **Value** (4.5) is an area where opinions are mixed, with some finding certain items to be on the pricier side.