There is something undeniably primal about a deep-dish pizza. It is not just a meal; it is an architectural event, a glorious, slow-baked testament to excess and comfort. While the debate over Chicago’s signature dish rages between thin-crust tavern style loyalists and stuffed-pizza purists, the deep-dish remains the city’s most famous culinary export.
If you find yourself in the historic and leafy enclave of Lincoln Park, you are strategically positioned to access some of the finest examples of this heavyweight delicacy. The neighborhood sits at a crossroads of classic Chicago institutions and modern, ingredient-driven pizzerias. Whether you are a local looking to rediscover your backyard or a visitor navigating the city’s food scene, the options are vast.
However, navigating the world of deep-dish requires understanding a crucial distinction. The style popularized by the big names often features a buttery, crumbly crust that stands tall, holding back a lake of chunky tomato sauce. It is a knife-and-fork affair, a slow burn that requires patience and a serious appetite.
In Lincoln Park and its immediate surroundings, you will find everything from legendary tourist meccas to beloved neighborhood joints that have been perfecting their recipes for decades. The best versions balance acidity, richness, and texture, ensuring the crust remains crisp despite the heavy cargo it carries. It is a difficult dish to master, and these kitchens do it right.
We have scoured the area to curate a definitive list of the top destinations for this iconic dish. From the historic ovens of the city’s oldest pizzerias to artisan spots offering unique twists on the classic, this guide covers the essential stops for your culinary pilgrimage.
Below, you will find a selection of establishments that define the Chicago pizza experience. These are the spots where locals go when the craving hits and where visitors find the authentic taste they have been searching for.
Pequod's Pizza
| Address | 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (773) 327-1512 |
If you want to lose your Chicago deep dish or thick crust virginity, this is the place to do it! I've tried thick crust pizza in other countries and was never really impressed, but this completely changed my mind. The pizza was incredible, the portions were satisfying, and the prices were still reasonable. The service was also friendly and much better than expected. Easily one of the best pizza experiences I've had!
After reading a bunch of reviews using AI, the pizza to try came down to Lou Malnati's or Pequod. Had the deep dish half pepperoni and half meatballs. Came out caramelized / burnt around the top edge. The crust / pizza was crispy from top to the middle of the pizza. It was not oily at all. The crust inside the pizza was fluffy with the tomato sauce and slightly crusted cheese and toppings were really tasty. Every bite very enjoyable.
Made reservations through google reservations. Came at reservations and immediately sat our group of 4. Heard people without reservations had to wait 1 hr. We ate at 1pm on a Tuesday.
Bar / pizza atmosphere with big screens for watching sports. We were able to catch Portugal vs Uzbekistan soccer / football while we ate. Overall a great experience with good food.
If you’re looking for an authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza, this place is an absolute must-visit! It’s a bit outside the main tourist areas, but that’s exactly what makes it feel like a hidden gem. Several locals told us it’s the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago, and after trying it, I can definitely understand why.
The restaurant has a cozy, authentic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a true neighborhood favorite. The deep-dish pizza was simply outstanding—rich, flavorful, perfectly baked, and easily one of the best I’ve ever had. The prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. I would happily come back and highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Chicago!
Pequod’s Pizza was my first true Chicago pizza experience, and it honestly lived up to everything I had hoped for. From the first bite, it was clear why this place has such a legendary reputation—the caramelized, crispy cheese around the edge of the deep-dish crust is unbelievable, with a perfect balance of crunch, richness, and flavor.
The pizza was hearty without feeling overdone: buttery crust, great sauce, plenty of cheese, and toppings that made every slice feel like the full Chicago experience. It was exactly the kind of meal you want when you come to the city looking for something iconic—comforting, indulgent, and completely memorable.
If you are trying Chicago-style pizza for the first time, Pequod’s is everything you would wish for and then some. It set the bar incredibly high for every pizza I’ll try here after this.
I want to take this opportunity to leave a review for Pequod’s Pizza.
My server, Zach (John Connor), was welcoming from the moment I walked in until the time I left. His friendly attitude and excellent service made the experience even better.
I originally planned on ordering the thin-crust pizza, but Zach recommended that I try the famous deep-dish instead. He also highly recommended the wings, which were perfectly crispy and delicious.
During my visit, I also had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Samantha. The entire team created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made me feel right at home.
I visited around midnight, and it was a great time to stop by without a long wait. From what I understand, though, if you visit during the daytime or peak hours, you should expect to wait for a table, either inside the restaurant or upstairs. It’s easy to see why this place is so popular.
Thank you to Zach, Samantha, and the entire team at Pequod’s Pizza on North Clybourn Avenue in Chicago for providing such outstanding hospitality and a memorable dining experience. I’ll definitely be back!
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
| Address | 958 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 832-4030 |
I finally tried Lou Malnati's Pizzeria for dinner last Friday around 6:30 PM, and I can see why so many people recommend it. We ordered the classic deep-dish pizza with sausage, mushrooms, and extra cheese, and it was definitely worth the wait. The buttery crust was crisp on the outside, the cheese was perfectly melted, and the tomato sauce tasted fresh with just the right amount of seasoning. One slice was surprisingly filling because of how loaded the pizza was. We also shared a house salad while waiting, and it was fresh and a nice balance to the rich pizza. The staff was friendly, kept us updated while the pizza was baking, and made sure we had everything we needed. The restaurant had a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, and it felt like the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm craving authentic Chicago-style pizza.
Lou Malnati's pizza did not disappoint 😋 The cheese, sauce, and toppings were fresh and savory. The wings were thoroughly cooked, tender and delicious.
The server (Amanda O) was friendly and attentive.
For thin crust pies, the right choice is to order a Large (perfect for two) or an XL pie so as to maybe have a little leftover for later... maybe. 😉 Yummy 😋
Finally tried Lou Malnati’s for the first time.
I got the keto “Crustless” pizza with sausage and extra cheese, plus some fried wings on the side.
Didn’t expect to like it this much honestly.
Simple, comforting Chicago food kind of night.
After narrowing down my pizza picks to two competitors, we tried the first down the street from Lou Malnati's and was left unsatisfied, so we went to this location right after to get our deep dish pizza fix.
I like this location much better than the one by Grant Park or Riverwalk. There was hardly anyone here when we came around 3:30pm on a Saturday, so we were seated immediately. The space has a front room seling frozen pizzas to take home and the dining space was in the back.
The Malnati Chicago Classic 4/5*
Yum, this pie was oozing with cheese, fresh tomato sauce, and a slab of sausage patty like how it should be. The tomato sauce is scratch-made with chunky bits of tomatoes, but it was on the sour side of unripened tomatoes. You can definitely taste the sausage, which was well seasoned and had a perfect balance of saltiness. The butter crust is no lie! That crust was so tasty, buttery, with a slight crisp. The only reason this pie wasn't a 5* was because the tomatoes were a bit too sour for me.
Service was great and they actually cut the pie and serve you unlike the first place we went to. The only downside is they don't have any real bar, nothing on tap. Drinks are cans or bottles.
Overall, solid pie, delicious crust. They have other yummy choices for their signature pizzas that I wanted to try like The Lou that had garlicky spinach or the Mike's Hot Honey
Legendary institution. Still “supposedly” serves deep dish. Not anymore, I guess. Don’t let the marketing fool you, it’s now tavern style with chunk tomatoes and a lip of crust. Unreal.
Bacino's
| Address | 2204 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 472-7400 |
We rediscovered Bacino’s today. We had gotten their spinach deep dish pizzas before but today we tried the 6” bambino size and ordered meatball sandwich, shrimp linguine and calamari (lightly battered and perfectly seasoned). Theirs is a simpler version than say, Topo Gigio in Old Town but everything was well executed. They sell Angelo’s gelato here so we got a pint of Tiramisu flavor and was very happy with our choices. No photos since we gobbled everything up pretty fast but they exceeded our expectations today. We took out but I saw they opened up the windows so it felt nice and open (previously I had only come at night when cold). It’s good quality casual Italian food at very reasonable prices for Lincoln Park and good people!
Great restaurant with reasonable prices. We started with an Order of garlic bread with cheese and the Garden Salad. We ordered a large Bacino’s Special Stuffed Pizza, expect a 35 to 40 minute wait, a great homemade stuffed pizza is well worth the wait!! The stuffed pizza sauce.was amazing! Our waitress was nice and service was great! They have 10+ types of popular beer choices, and a few wine choices. This a small wonderful mom and pop business. Come one, come all!
We first heard about Bacino’s from a young man from Chicago who was teaching English in Taipei, our hometown. When he found out we were planning a trip to Chicago, he insisted that we had to try Bacino’s pizza.
So here we are.
We were blown away by the stuffed pizza. We tried the Spinach Supreme and Bacino’s Special—both were generously portioned and absolutely delicious.
We had the pleasure of chatting with John, the gentleman who served us, who turned out to be the owner. He was very hospitable and welcoming. John gave us great recommendations and made sure we had everything we needed. To our surprise, just before we left, he gifted us two Bacino’s T-shirts as souvenirs.
It’s easy to find a restaurant with nice food in a big city like Chicago, but it’s not easy to find one with such a human touch like Bacino’s.
We definitely plan to come back to Chicago—for the tasty pizza and for John.
Probably some of my favorite pizza in Chicago. Deep dish is awesome and well normally not a fan of margarita style pizza. This was the best I’ve ever had. It’s a bit of a drive for us to get there, but I will happily make the trip in the future.
The deep dish pizza is incredible!!!! Love the garlic bread!!!! Nice easygoing waitress.The staff was on point. It was nice to see the owner involved with everything , he was very helpful. We are glad we stopped, definitely worth it. Thank you for giving us a wonderful experience.
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
| Address | 2121 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 248-2570 |
This place was recommended to us by a local, and we’re incredibly grateful for that recommendation.
I’ve had plenty of deep dish pizza before, but nothing quite like this. It was absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend giving it a try.
Come hungry, and don’t skip the salads, they’re freshly prepared by dedicated salad chefs and are just as impressive as the pizza.
There’s no outdoor seating, but the indoor atmosphere feels authentic and adds to the overall experience. The staff was attentive, our order was handled perfectly, and we had a fantastic meal from start to finish.
A restaurant that comes recommended and has great reviews for a reason. From start to finish an absolute master class in operations. We came in with a big group in which I’m always nervous about but the staff was immediately accommodating and worked as a team to help us out.
Our server was phenomenal and recommended the favorites. I had high expectations and they were absolutely met, the Mediterranean bread was top tier as was the pot pie.
Such an awesome place with a good history topped off with excellent people and amazing food!
The wait was long, but trust me, the food was so worth it. Best Greek salad I've ever had, and the Mediterranean bread was love at first bite. I went in looking to try the pizza pot pie, but I'm leaving obsessed with the bread and salad. Shoutout to Juan for keeping it classy despite a rude guest, and Amber, our server, was absolute perfection - warm, friendly, and attentive. If you're looking for a great dining experience, look no further.
I’ve tried various pizza for a long time… but this place is absolutely unprecedented in my experience.
Let’s talk about the appetizer first. You seriously consider to order it because the pot pie takes a while to make it (30~40 minutes in our case). We ordered Mediterranean bread and it has so much good flavors - starts with the plush of the dough, with good touch of garlic, and continues to fresh parsley and oregano. It is a simple bread but it has all good taste inside. It is large (we are party of 3 men but not able to finish it all) so keep in mind of that - to go box is available and the bread still tasted good on the next day.
Now for the pot pie - per person you should consider ordering half pound because it was enough for us (again, we are men with age of 20s). We ordered three combinations: sausage with mushroom, sausage without mushroom, and no sausage but with mushroom. The sausage has really strong fennel seed taste with rich juice from the meat which completes the taste, but you exclude if you don’t prefer those. For the mushroom - I think this should be included. This mushroom carries the part of the essence inside the sauce, and it tastes really good as having a big bite.
Overall, is it worth a +2 hrs wait? Definitely!
A classic Chicago pizza spot with a cozy & old-school cabin feel. We visited on a weekday and still had about a 30-minute wait. The Mediterranean bread was a flavorful start, and the house salad was surprisingly good with its house dressing. The famous pizza pot pie was the clear highlight, with a rich and cheesy texture and an upside down bake. A very hearty & quintessential experience for the Chicago pizza scene.
Giordano's
| Address | 1040 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 327-1200 |
Our first visiting Chicago and wanted an authentic Chicago pizza experience. Our server recommended what the locals eat, the Chicago tavern style with Chicago classic toppings and it was PHENOMENAL! The crust was perfectly crispy, with well seasoned toppings over a delicious tomato sauce base. We then had their cannoli chips for dessert, which is topped with some basil leaves. It was the combo I never knew I needed! Even the salads we got were really tasty. The service was great, but we also braved the elements to go there, so that likely helped with it not being too crowded during lunch hour. All in all, a delicious experience we are definitely repeating next time we visit Chicago!
First time in Chicago and the boyfriend recommended this place for our pizza experience. Super delicious! Our server and the staff were friendly and helpful. Looking forward to traveling back here in the future!
I literally loved the heart shaped pizza, perfect for Valentine's Day. The cheese pull, was just magnifique. Take your loved one there for a special occasion. Please try this place out. But be CAREFUL of the water that they bring you, it tastes like pop machine. Hope you guys like it. And as always stay updated for more reviews.
We went here for dinner after a Cubs game. The atmosphere was stellar! Almost no one was on their phones, which is so rare nowadays. I kid you not, I saw a guy get up from his table, run out the front door to flag down his friends who were passing by, and bring them into the restaurant for an unplanned dinner together. This is a perfect place for families and friends to meet. I’m so thankful I can bring my memories home with me to South Carolina and recommend Chicago to everyone I know.
Our first ever visit to Giordanos. We were greeted immediately and the employee was warm and professional. We were seated immediately. Our total experience was great. Our server did an amazing job. The person who initially greeted us followed up with us after our meal was brought out. The pizza was...virus fantastical! We love pizza!! This pizza was everything!!
Chicago's Pizza
| Address | 3114 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (773) 477-2777 |
Gluten Free family, and I can vouch for the safety, quality, and taste. We traveled in today and this was the perfect night cap meal. Took an Uber from downtown (20 min) and it was worth it!
GF deep dish supreme (-mushrooms), GF garlic cheese bread. Deep dish takes about 30 min to bake. Worth the wait!
Note: I don’t have a gluten allergy but typically eat GF anyway. Tried complementary bread and olive oil. The tiny pieces were delicious - somehow toasted on all 6 sides. Yum!
If you’re looking for an amazing gluten-free pizza experience in Chicago, ChicaGo’s Pizza absolutely delivers!
We ordered the Chicago Special deep-dish pizza with sausage, mushrooms, peppers, and onions on a gluten-free crust, and it was nothing short of incredible. The crust was perfectly done, the toppings were generous and flavorful, and every bite reminded us why Chicago-style pizza is so iconic.
As a wonderful surprise, they brought out complimentary gluten-free focaccia as an appetizer, which was delicious and such a thoughtful touch for those of us who need gluten-free options. To top it all off, we finished with the gluten-free Death by Chocolate Cake, and it was every bit as decadent and indulgent as the name suggests.
From the food to the hospitality, everything was absolutely wonderful. It’s rare to find a restaurant that takes gluten-free dining this seriously while still delivering such outstanding flavor. We will definitely be back!
Takes 35 mins to get the deep-dish small pizza. Gluten free version was totally comparable to the gluten version.
I think the phily steak sandwich was good and actually better than the pie, but guessing many celiacs will come here just to try deep dish and they will get that experience here.
Service was top notch as well. Nice place.
In town for a family vacation reunion and decided to try them and was not disappointed by any means. Food was amazing as expected, but the best part was the communication about the delivery with me and the promptness of it. Food is off the chain and of the highest quality ingredients. Very well worth getting we got a thin cheese for the kids and the big kids hot one gluten free deep dish custom ingredients and we got a large deep dish with sausage, beef, shrimp, mushrooms and black olives. Try it you’ll not be disappointed. Thanks guys for the amazing Chicago Deep Dish Pizza….
Phenomenal. Vesuvio potatoes were delicious. Loaded fries were delicious. Two deep dish pizzas were made fast and delicious. Service was friendly and attentive. Margaritas were made STRONG, mango was better than strawberry. Tons of options on the menu. We were very happy with our early dinner stop here.
Milly's Pizza In The Pan- West Town
| Address | 925 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (224) 809-7192 |
Staying in Wicker Park for the 4th of July week, so I thought I'd try Milly's - and oh my goodness, it was good. Their pan pizza is thicker than tavern style but thinner than deep dish, and you need to go online to order after 8 a.m.
Very good pan style pizza, the star is the sauce which has a slight spice to it (red pepper flakes?) and the crust, which has the amazing crunchy butteriness. Reminded me of a grown up version of 80’s Pizza Hut pan pizzas but with a solid base and just enough cheese. You have to pre order the pizza as they only make a certain amount per day, there’s one booth for eating in and a 4 stool window bar. No ac so if you wanna eat in come prepared for a very basic eating experience out of the box. It’s all about the pizza!
What is there to say about Milly’s at this point that hasn’t been said? We have been regulars since the west town location opened and it is easily the highest quality, most consistent, and most reliable pizza available. And likely the goat of this type of pizza overall.
New customers: order in advance, it is ready the minute you schedule it for, it travels well and reheats beautifully if there is any left.
Advanced customers: Get the Leandoer while it’s available. S tier, our new favorite. The shiitake and cremini mushrooms are amazing in flavor and texture, and pair so great with the pistachio, garlic and cream fraiche.
Well worth the hype. Best pizza im chicago hands down!! Not as thick and rich as deep dish but similar to it. Dough is high quality, crust is great, sauce is super fresh, and high quality ingredients. I ordered at 8a sharp on Sunday and when I checked back an hr later it was sold out. They also do not cut the pizza and are really good about pickup times lol. Got there like 15 mins early and had to wait but def well worth it!! Highly recommend. Will be back soon!
Finally, I got a pizza from Milly's Pizza in the pan. First, the ingredients are top tier, fresh sauce and unique combo pizzas. Now my personal thoughts, it is a very thick breaded crust. I ordered it with sausage and mushrooms. The sausage was quite spicy but the mushrooms were fresh, not canned. Ingredients were sparse, so I mostly tasted the bready crust. Not my favorite but you should try it if you are a fan of thick crusts. Thanks for reading. Gotta go, I'm hungry!
Gino's East
| Address | 162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 266-3337 |
We waited in the rain for 40 minutes to get into the door. Which we 100% expected. Can’t fix Mother Nature. We finally got seated and ordered our food before ordering our drinks because we were told that a deep dish pizza can take up to an hour to come out. We got cheese stix and a sausage deep dish pizza. The cheese stix came out really fast and were delicious. The pizza came out quite a bit later and was a supreme pizza with everything instead of a sausage only pizza that we ordered. I am 52 years old and have been dreaming of a Chicago deep dish pizza for years. Unfortunately with the amount of time it takes to remake a pizza if it’s wrong you’re stuck with it. We politely paid for our dinner (aprox $100) and didn’t eat any of it accept the cheese stix. I will say if we got the pizza we ordered I’m sure it would have been delicious. I hate to say I would probably not return if I ever come back to Chicago again.
Marco made our visit to Gino's East an unforgettable experience! From the moment we sat down, he was friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. He had great recommendations and checked in just the right amount to make sure everything was perfect.
The food was absolutely incredible. Every dish we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and exceeded our expectations. The pizza was everything you'd hope for from a classic Chicago deep-dish spot—crispy crust, perfectly melted cheese, and amazing sauce. Honestly, everything we tried was fantastic.
If you're visiting Gino's East, ask for Marco if you can. Great service combined with outstanding food made this one of the best dining experiences we've had in Chicago. We'll definitely be back!
Gino's East on Superior completely delivered on an incredible meal! We started with the sticks and dips appetizer, which was the perfect way to kick off the night—the dips were flavorful and pair perfectly with the crispy mozz sticks and spinach rolls.
For the main event, we tried both styles of pizza and both were absolutely stellar. The Cheesy Legend deep dish pizza is a masterpiece of gooey, rich cheese and perfect crust. But don't sleep on their thin crust either; the thin crust Meaty Legend was amazing, packed with high-quality meats and a fantastic crunch. Whether you are a deep dish devotee or a thin crust fan, this place is a must-visit. Excellent food all around!
When in Chicago, how can you miss out on deep-dish pizza? We found this old restaurant that opened in 1966, and everyone was very satisfied. I personally would give it an 8/10, but everyone else gave it a 10.
Chicago Fire: The ultimate pizza with lots of cheese and tomato toppings, the first bite was incredibly satisfying. The entire pizza 🍕 had only one Jalapeño pepper, the slight spiciness adding layers of flavor that was very pleasant. The only thing I wasn't used to was the thick crust; the layers were delicately flaky, but not crispy, instead powdery like a soft cookie. Besides the butter, it had no other flavor, and it felt cloying even at first bite.
Legendary Hand-rolled Spinach Mozzarella Sticks: The crust was crispy, the filling was stringy, and the salsa was refreshing and helped cut through the richness. However, the spinach flavor was barely noticeable.
The ambiance was interesting; everyone could scribble on the walls, sofas, tables… anywhere you looked. A sixty-year-old historical memory and public space.
Got to my hotel late, wanted to try Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza and so off I went!
I got the small Chicago Fire deep dish for takeout and it was everything I hoped it would be. I don’t know if I can return home to just regular pizza now…
There is a 45-60min bake time for deep dish pizzas which I was clearly unaware of, so went back to my hotel to workout and work off the pending calorie intake 😂 I got a text message, picked up my pizza and promptly devoured it.
Would come again next time I’m in town.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
| Address | 4340 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 654-4000 |
At a certain point you can't call it a deep dish. I got a flat bread pizza with tall edges. NOT deep dish look at the pic please. So you know I'm not making it up. Meatballs were delicious. Breadstick nice in butter.
We had the best experience with Kyle as our server at Lou Malnati’s! We came here for my husband’s birthday and he walked away with a free t shirt, skillet cookie and extra dessert! Kyle was so personable and brought awesome energy to our birthday dinner. Whether you are celebrating 8 or 38 this restaurant will make you feel special!
The service is great. The waitress was very helpful, she let us know what is the most popular. I ordered the lasagna and the house salad 🥗. I would very much recommend this place. Great service and good food.
I had a birthday party with a group of my friends at the restaurant. Pizza was hot right out of the oven, appetizers were great. I am kind of biased I think Lou Malnatis has the best stuffed pizza. I like it better then Giordanos.
I picked up a medium deep dish pizza today, and wow things have changed. This was maybe half as thick as I’m used to from Lou’s and weighed noticeably less. I get that ingredients are expensive, but this barely qualifies as deep dish.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Delivery Only
| Address | 820 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 725-7777 |
Only had a 10-minute wait after being quoted 30. Way to set expectations. We scored a great seat outside, perfect for people watching and enjoying one another's company.
The pizza sauce and crust were phenomenal. How did they get it do crisp and buttery in a deep dish?! The slight flavor of vodka? in the sauce was perfect. The individual Malnati salad is the perfect portion for 4, yes four people. It is so so good. Just beware it is heavily dressed. Can't remember the name of my adult beverage of choicr but it was not only eye-catching but flavorful. I may be a new fan of Lou's, sorry Giordano's.
Lou’s is in my opinion the best pizza in town! Went here on my last trip to Chicago and came back twice this trip. Felt bad going twice since there is so much food all around the city, but when you will try it I’m sure you will know what I mean. The butter crust is unbeatable and the staff at this location were all super rad! Very chill atmosphere. I might order pizzas to be shipped to CA it was so good! Definitely a must go for anyone visiting Chicago!
Delicious deep dish pizza as promised. Our server Jasmine was excellent. I wish "The Lou"s special sauce had had a more pronounced basil/garlic flavor. The chocolate dessert was delicious, though I suggest letting it unfreeze a bit if you get a piece that's still pretty frozen. Definitely order your pizza ahead of time so you don't have to wait as long when you arrive. If it's a busy night, you could be waiting a while.
A total game-changer! 5 stars. I came here to try the original deep dish with low expectations, since some friends of mine hadn't liked it, but I completely changed my mind. The crust was absolutely perfect, the sauce was delicious, and the overall flavor was outstanding. The service was also great and very attentive. I tried other pizzerias, but for deep dish, Lou Malnati’s is hands down the best!
Good pizza but the service was less than stellar. The waiter could not explained the menu so we could understand. I am still not sure about toppings, or even if you can order them. The pizza seems thinner than I remember for deep dish. And I generally like the south Loop location better.
George's Deep Dish LLC
| Address | 6221 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM Friday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | (773) 801-1551 |
George’s was recommended to me so I made sure to order as soon as I was in the neighborhood! Their menu is intuitive and easy to order from and I was curious my their sourdough style flatbread pizza. While not traditional deep dish, it is a fun and tasty way to get bread, cheese, and tomato sauce together. The 14” deep dish with just cheese (no toppings) came out to a little over $30 with tip and tax and was plenty of pizza for just me! I had it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for days!! It was tasty!!
This is some great sourdough crust tavern-style pizza!! The crust is incredibly crunchy and the ingredients are fresh and flavorful. Ordered pepperoni with half mushroom and half spicy cherry peppers. The heat and earthiness of the veggies with salty cupped pepproni blended well with the tasty red sauce. I luv that its a “homey” feeling in this resto. A small family run business.
The place is clean, inviting and the people are very friendly.
And order the salted caramel cheesecake which is sourced locally. Delicious!!!
I just ate at George's for the first time, and I'll definitely be back. I've eaten pizza all over the city, and George's has quickly established itself as one of my top picks in the Chicago pizza scene. I tried both the deep dish for which the restaurant is named and the tavern/cracker thin crust, and both were mind-blowingly good. When friends and family come from out of town and want to eat local pizza, I'm taking them to George's (this is perhaps the highest praise I can give a pizza restaurant).
Fantastic pizza, both the deep dish and the thin crust. The thin crust is wafer thin and very crispy. The deep dish with sourdough crust makes this pizza unlike any of the other local competitors. Great flavor across the board. Online ordering and pickup is easy. Good variety of "specialty" pizzas to pick from if you're looking for something extra unique. Haven't tried yet, but cool how you can order online and then dine-in and the pizza is ready for you.
Randomly walked past this place earlier today and decided to give it a try for dinner. We ordered online and got there a little early and were welcomed very nicely by the owner, we sat and waited and the timing of our order was very accurate to the pickup time we chose! I am a deep dish lover so I was a little skeptical about the toppings on top of the sauce instead of under… but i LOVED it! the green peppers were so fresh and the sausage was perfectly seasoned. Staff was super kind and pizza was amazing, will definitely be coming back again!
The Art of Pizza
| Address | 3033 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | (773) 327-5600 |
Although they have thin crust pizza, I chose a deep dish slice with sausage and pepperoni. I liked the crunch and flavor of the crust. The sauce tasted freshly made with a lot of garlic. Good cheese. My slice was only warm in the middle, I wish it would have been hotter.
The sauce alone makes me want to come back to try their thin crust.
Counter service was efficient. There is plenty of seating, in an adjacent room that is nicely decorated with a Chicago skyline wall mural.
A wise man once said, ‘One does not simply leave Chicago without devouring deep dish pizza.’ After countless subpar deep dish experiences in Seattle, I ventured to the Windy City, where this iconic pizza style was invented over 70 years ago.
Locals recommended me a few places. One of them being ‘The Art of Pizza.’ I later discovered that it had been voted Chicago’s #1 deep dish pizza by Chicago Tribune.
What I love most about this place is that you can order pizza by the slice. No more enduring a 30–40 minute wait when hunger strikes. Even better, it lets you try different flavors and toppings in one visit — exactly what I did.
I tried the pepperoni, sausage, spinach & mushroom, and cheese slices. Every single one had me hooked from the first bite. The thick golden crust was excellent, but the real star for me was the sauce. It was subtle, herbaceous, and packed with flavor without being overpowering. At many other places, the sauce tends to be either too sour, too bland, or overly heavy.
While I enjoyed all four slices, the spinach & mushroom was my personal favorite.
If you’re looking for an authentic Chicago deep dish experience, this place is absolutely worth a visit.
The veggie pizza had the most veggies I've ever had on a pizza! So delicious. The thin crust cheese was also good. Friendly service, cans of soda and chocolate cake for take-out too!
If you want to get the most quality and definition of what it means to have a Chicago deep dish slice. There is no other place in this city that gives you exactly that. 2 slices is almost too much but just right at the same time. Do yourself a favor, if you've never been here don't wait any longer or look any further than here. It's been 8 years since I was last here and nothing has changed as far as the quality of food especially the pizza. This place will forever have a deep place in my heart.
We really wanted to try the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza, and Google suggested this spot for a slice. 🍕 It was good and interesting—more like a "pizza cake" than a classic pizza. 🍰🤔 Since we love Italian-style 🇮🇹, we still prefer the original, but it was definitely worth a try! 🙏❤️😘
Tips for Enjoying Deep-Dish in Lincoln Park
Before you embark on your cheesy expedition, it is essential to prepare yourself for the unique physical and logistical challenges of consuming Chicago’s heaviest meal. Deep-dish is a marathon, not a sprint, and a little insider knowledge will drastically improve your experience. Whether you are ordering for the first time or looking to refine your technique, these guidelines will ensure you enjoy your pizza at its absolute peak quality.
Order Early or Be Prepared to Wait
Authentic deep-dish takes time—often 30 to 45 minutes from the moment you order to the moment it hits your table. If you are dining in, order a salad or appetizer to tide you over, or better yet, call ahead and put your pizza in the oven before you arrive. This is standard practice for locals and will save you from the "hangry" phase of the wait.
Do Not Over-Order
The density of deep-dish is deceptive. A "small" pizza can easily feed two very hungry adults, and a "large" can feed a family of four. The crust is thick, the cheese is heavy, and the filling is rich. It is much better to err on the side of caution and order less than you think you need, especially if you plan on having appetizers.
Master the Fork and Knife Technique
While some brave souls attempt to pick up a slice, true deep-dish is structurally unsound for hand-eating until it has cooled significantly. Use a fork and knife to cut from the center outward. This prevents the molten cheese and sauce from sliding off the crust and ensures you get a bit of every layer in each bite.
Customize Your Toppings Wisely
Raw vegetables release water as they cook, which can make your deep-dish soggy. If you are adding items like mushrooms, spinach, or green peppers, ask for them to be "well done" or placed on top of the cheese but under the sauce. Meats like sausage and pepperoni are the safest bets, as they add flavor without compromising the crust’s integrity.
Let It Rest
When the pizza arrives, the interior is essentially molten lava. Digging in immediately will burn your mouth and cause the cheese to pull away from the crust. Give the pizza three to five minutes to "set" after it arrives at the table. This allows the cheese to firm up slightly, making the slicing process much cleaner and safer.
The beauty of Lincoln Park is that it offers a slice of Chicago life that feels both authentic and accessible. After your meal, a stroll through the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets or a walk along the lakefront is the perfect way to aid digestion. The contrast between the heavy, indulgent meal and the fresh breeze off Lake Michigan is a quintessential Chicago experience.
Whether you are a die-hard fan of the classic buttery crust or prefer a more modern, artisan take on the style, this area of the city delivers. The key is to arrive hungry, practice patience, and respect the process. Once you have had the real thing, you will understand why Chicagoans defend their pizza with such fierce loyalty.
