It was with great anticipation that we embarked on our first outing to Tortuga's Pizza in Hoover, to experience Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Much to our disappointment, the restaurant failed to live up to what we had been told to expect. Our group arrived at 6:00 pm and was immediately seated outside (as there was no room in the dining room). Although drink service was fast, we did not receive our food order (1 regular pizza and 3 deep-dish pizzas) until 7:30, over an hour and 15 minutes after we had placed it. A lady (who we can only presume was one of the owners) was clearly displeased that we had come to the restaurant as a group, and glared at the one of us who had the "nerve" to ask, after an hour of waiting, if our pizza would be arriving shortly. The pizza itself was pretty good (but not as good as the real thing in Chicago) and the young man who waited on us kept us stocked with plenty of cokes and apologies for the wait. Though I can only speak for my wife and me, I left Tortuga's with the distinct impression that no one in our group was planning a subsequent trip. (June 2006)

This restaurant has the best deep dish pizza anywhere. I lived in Chicago before moving to Birmingham and thought they had cornered the market on pizza, but Tortugas is as good or better than anything Chicago has to offer.
( May 2004)

The best pizza you will ever have. We recently went on a Friday and decided to order ahead. When we arrived, the place was packed. We were able to get seated after a while, but the pizza was worth the wait. We usually order the traditional Chicago deep dish pizza. It is always great. My wife and I usually split a garden salad with their homemade italian dressing, which is like a balsamic vinegar dressing. It was good. They bring you some garlic bread with some marinara sauce for dipping. The sauce is cold but it is pretty good and different from the usual warm marinara sauce. The deep dish pizza takes 45 minutes to cook but it is worth the wait. I have been to Leonardo's in Chicago and I like Tortugas deep dish a lot better. We have had their regular pizza also and it is just as good. I believe this is one of the best pizza spots in town. Children will get some pizza dough to play with while you wait on your pizza. The staff and servers are always friendly and helpful. If you haven't tried it, its worth it.
(July 2003)

My wife and I have eaten there once. Not impressed.

I have eaten there several times, and was always pleased with the service. The deep-dish pizza does take at least 45 minutes and longer when they are busy, however they are up front about the wait (it is even written on the menus). The owners are extremely friendly and always concerned with customer satisfaction. It really is a wonderful family owned place in Hoover!

We moved here from Chicago and were thrilled when we found Tortuga's. Their pizza is better than many Chicago pizzerias we've been to and we've enjoyed getting to know the owners. Those of you who complain about the wait have obviously never had Chicago style pizza. Always order ahead, so your pizza is ready when you get there.

Having lived in chicago for several years, I think tortuga's is on par with chicago style pizzerias in chicago.

Not everybody likes this type of pizza, but what Tortuga's offers is as good as Geno's East or Lou Malnottis in Chicago. Giardanos is my favorite overall and perhaps a step above tortugas. Genos East wins on pizzeria atmosphere/charm which tortuga's is severely lacking in.

I've had a few experiences where the pizza was served "luke warm" instead of hot out of the oven...but, I wouldnt say that is the norm.

I am not aware of any other options for chicago style pizza in Birmingham, so for now, I am just happy we have Tortuga's.

Although the wait is long, the finished product is outstanding! If you place a carry out order, they will cook halfway and provide you with instructions to finish cooking at home. I much prefer this method as opposed to eating in the restaurant.

Very good Chicago style pizza. Now if they could get their work schedule fixed everything would be golden. DO NOT attempt to go there to eat without calling ahead. We have gone there only to find out that they decided to close way early due to them not having any business. If you say you are open until 8pm stay open until 8pm. They were closing as we walked in at 6pm one time and that was the excuse they gave.

Other than wacky business hours their pizza is highly recommended!

I disagree that this beats Chicago eateries for pizza. It is reasonably good Chicago style pizza that is, many times, not even hot in the middle. We have tried to eat there after 6:30pm on two occasions and it was closed. This is not worth the gamble of 1. the place even being open and 2. the pizza even being warm. Are you willing to take the risk? We arent anymore.