Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza, and it's no secret that locals and tourists alike flock to the city in search of the perfect slice.
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for the best deep dish pizza. But fear not, as a local who has tried many different pizza places in the city, I am here to help guide you in the right direction.
When it comes to deep dish pizza, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, the crust is key. A good deep dish pizza should have a buttery, flaky crust that holds up to the weight of the toppings. It should be crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside.
Secondly, the cheese should be plentiful and gooey, with a tangy tomato sauce that complements the toppings. And finally, the toppings should be fresh and flavorful, without overwhelming the other components of the pizza.
Chicago is home to a variety of pizza places, ranging from small, family-owned joints to larger chains. Each place has its own unique take on deep dish pizza, with some serving up traditional toppings like sausage and pepperoni, while others offer more unconventional options like spinach and goat cheese.
With so much variety, it can be difficult to know where to start. But don't worry – in the following blog post, I'll be sharing my top picks for the best places to get deep dish pizza in Chicago, so you can indulge in this iconic dish like a true local.
1. Giordano's
Giordano's is a must-visit for anyone who loves deep-dish pizza. This casual chain is known for its delicious, authentic Chicago-style pizza, which is packed with toppings and loaded with flavor.
While the wait time for your pizza may be a bit long, it's well worth it once you take that first bite.
The crust is crispy and buttery, the sauce is tangy and flavorful, and the cheese is gooey and melted just right. And if you're not in the mood for pizza, Giordano's also serves up a variety of classic Italian dishes, as well as beer and wine.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Giordano's is a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of the Windy City's famous deep-dish pizza.
2. Pequod's Pizza
Pequod's Pizza is a local institution known for its deep-dish pizza with a caramelized crust.
The sauce is delicious, and the crust is perfect. The Italian sausage is absolutely delicious and has a lot of flavor.
The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great place to hang out and enjoy pizza with friends or family.
It's highly recommended to make a reservation beforehand since there is usually a long wait. If you're a fan of deep-dish pizza, Pequod's Pizza is a must-visit.
3. Milly's Pizza In The Pan
Looking for the best deep dish pizza in town that won't break the bank and is made with fresh ingredients by good people doing good things in the community?
Look no further than Milly's Pizza In The Pan!
Their pan-style pizza has a light yet crispy crust with a perfect sauce to crust ratio and plenty of fresh toppings.
The cheese around the crust is a fan favorite and the sauce is layered over the cheese to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
Milly's Pizza In The Pan is a must-try for any pizza lover looking for a delicious and authentic Chicago-style pizza.
4. Lincoln Park – Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
If you're looking for some of the best deep dish pizza in town, look no further than Lou Malnati's Pizzeria.
This family-owned local chain offers up classic Italian dishes and mouthwatering, Chicago-style pizzas with buttery crusts.
The signature crust is what sets Lou Malnati's apart from the rest, and their sauce is made with fresh, flavorful tomatoes that add a delicious burst of flavor to every bite.
With reasonable prices and excellent service, this is a must-visit spot for any pizza lover in the area.
5. Chicago's Pizza
If you're looking for a place that serves delicious deep dish pizza, look no further than Chicago's Pizza. The crust is crispy and the toppings are plentiful.
They also offer gluten-free options that taste just as good as their regular pizzas. The staff is friendly and the service is excellent.
The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal with family or friends. If you're in the mood for comfort food classics like burgers, they have those too.
They even offer delivery for those nights when you want to enjoy their tasty pizzas from the comfort of your own home.
6. My Pi Pizza
Looking for a true Chicago-style deep dish pizza that's worth ordering no matter where you are located in the country, then look no further than My Pi Pizza.
With premium ingredients, including Wisconsin cheese, and specific baking instructions, this pizza is delicious and will not disappoint.
And if you can't make it to their location, they even offer nationwide delivery. Don't miss out on this amazing pizza experience.
7. Bartoli's Pizzeria
Bartoli's Pizzeria offers some of the best deep dish pizza in the city.
The crust is crispy and the sauce is well seasoned.
The restaurant also serves thin crust pizza and has a cozy atmosphere.
The staff is friendly and the service is quick. Highly recommended for pizza lovers looking for a delicious meal.
8. George's Deep Dish
Looking for the best deep dish pizza in town without the heaviness of a typical Chicago deep dish pizza experience, then George's Deep Dish is the place to be.
This small neighborhood joint offers high-quality ingredients, a crispy cornmeal dusted crust, and fresh tomato sauce that will leave you wanting more.
The toppings are spectacular, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. Although there may be a wait, it is worth it.
Pre-order online for carry-out and enjoy the best pizza you've ever tasted.
9. The Art of Pizza
The Art of Pizza is a must-visit spot for anyone craving a delicious deep dish pizza.
Their tangy and abundant sauce on top of the pizza sets it apart from other places. The crust is buttery without being greasy and the toppings are always fresh.
The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. It's a great place to grab a quick bite without compromising on quality.
The Art of Pizza is highly recommended for anyone looking for authentic Chicago-style pizza.
10. Art of Pizza on State Street
Art of Pizza on State Street is a small pizzeria that offers some of the best deep dish pizza in the city.
Their pizzas are dense, full of cheese, and topped with a mildly sweet sauce that bursts with flavor. The staff is friendly and fast, and the prices are reasonable.
Although the restaurant is small, it's clean and cozy, perfect for a quick bite to eat. They offer a good variety of options, including slices, which is a rarity for deep dish pizza places.
If you're in the area and looking for a delicious pizza experience, Art of Pizza on State Street is definitely worth checking out.
11. Connie's Pizza
Connie's Pizza serves up delicious deep dish pizza in an old-school atmosphere.
This local chain offers a range of pizza styles, from thin-crust to stuffed, and has something for everyone.
The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Whether you're looking for a casual night out with friends or a family dinner, Connie's Pizza is the perfect spot for a satisfying meal.
12. Nancy's Pizza
Nancy's Pizza is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic deep dish pizza in Chicago.
The pizza is made with fresh and top-quality ingredients that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. The staff is friendly and the service is fast.
The restaurant is known for its Chicago-style stuffed pizza, but it also offers thin-crust pies and pastas.
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Nancy's Pizza is definitely worth a visit.
13. Pie-Eyed Pizzeria
Pie-Eyed Pizzeria is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious deep dish pizza in the city. Their crispy crust and flavorful toppings are sure to satisfy any pizza lover's cravings.
The pizza of the month is always creative and tasty, and the regular menu offerings are just as solid.
The friendly staff provides outstanding service, whether you're dining in, picking up, or getting delivery.
Open late on weekends, Pie-Eyed Pizzeria is the perfect spot for a late-night slice. Don't miss out on this neighborhood gem!
14. Nancy's Pizzeria Chicago West Loop
Nancy's Pizzeria Chicago West Loop is a must-visit place for deep dish pizza lovers. The quality ingredients used for the dough, cheese, toppings, and sauce burst with flavor in every bite.
Their thin-crust pepperoni pizza is a must-try. The crispy crust and caramelized cheese make it a delight to eat.
The mozzarella sticks are stretchy and yummy, but a bit bland. The breadsticks are crispy outside and fluffy inside, and the pesto ailoi and boom boom sauce are fantastic.
The restaurant has a beautiful decor, and the staff is warm and friendly. Although the prices are slightly high, the pizza is worth every penny.
15. Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
Exchequer Restaurant & Pub is a decades-old pub that serves American eats, including deep dish pizza.
The pizza is a must-try, with ooey-gooey cheese and a sweet and tangy sauce. The crust could be improved, but it's still very good.
The restaurant has a mobster-themed decor and a large beer selection, making it a great spot for a casual night out with friends.
The staff is friendly, and the service is reasonably fast. The prices are also reasonable, making it a good value for the quality of food and experience.
16. Pizzeria Ora Chicago
Pizzeria Ora Chicago serves some of the best deep dish pizzas in town.
The fresh ingredients and crispy crust are cooked to perfection.
The friendly and attentive service adds to the great atmosphere of the restaurant.
The lunch special is a great value and includes a salad or soup. Highly recommend this hidden gem for a delicious Chicago-style pizza.
