So you’re on the search for the best deep dish pizza in Chicago?
Well, we’ve put on our fluffy crust seeking, melty mozzarella finding, home-stewed tomato sauce smelling shoes to find you the very best deep dish pizza in Chicago. While some locals turn up their noses at this infamous Chicago meal, most secretly adore a great deep dish slice or two. You have to come to these spots hungry, but they will each treat you to a foodie experience that is beyond your wildest dreams. Each restaurant on our list has a unique spin to their deep dish pizza. Hopefully, this helps you choose just which ones are worth a visit while you’re exploring other things to do in Chicago and the local bars. So, get ready to eat your way through the Windy City’s streets because we have quite the treat awaiting you.
Pequod’s
Credit: Pequod's / Facebook
With two locations and a third on its way, there’s no surprise that Pequod’s has an extensive list of rewards for their phenomenal menu. Named after Moby Dick’s whaling ship, this pizzeria has a down to earth, Lincoln Park bar feel. It’s decorated with a spunky whale along its walls. While you can get plates of pasta, thin crust pizzas, and sandwiches for great prices here, these are not what put it on the list of the best deep dish pizza in Chicago. Instead, dive in for their carmelized crust. Cooked in a well-seasoned cast iron pan, the ring of crispy cheese around these pizzas is what they’re known for. Of course, the rest of the pizza is spectacular as well with their fresh sauce and myriad of topping choices.
So, you’re ready to try the best deep dish pizza in Chicago? Well, Pequod’s has the lunch order and special down to a science. After you put in your order, you can text them when you’re fifteen minutes away. They’ll toss your pizza in the oven and reserve you a table. Then, you walk in and you’re all set with hot food. While we love this, we’re not sure which is better. This feature or their five dollars lunch deal. Monday through Friday, you can grab a seven-inch personal cheese pizza and a foundation soda for $4.95. Regardless of how or when you eat your Pequod’s pizza, you will easily understand why this is renowned as the best deep dish pizza in Chicago.
Lou Malnati’s
Credit: Lou Malnati's / Facebook
If you want a chef who's been around the Chicago deep dish pizza scene a time or two, head to Lou Malnati’s. He started in the 40’s at the first deep dish pizza chain but branched out on his own with his wife in 1971 to create Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. So, what sets this spot apart, you ask? Well, this family-run business takes great care and pride when it comes to ingredients. First, they prepare the flakiest and buttery crust you can find in Chicago. Then, it’s topped with vine-ripened plum tomatoes from California, an exclusive sausage blend, and the meltiest Wisconsin cheese they can find. This pizza truly blends the best of America into one delectable dish.
You’ll note when you order one of the best deep dish pizzas in Chicago that the cheese is on the bottom, just on top of the crust. Then comes the assortment of toppings, finally being layered with the spectacular chunky red sauce. With fifty-three different locations in Chicago and its suburbs, you can easily get your hands on one of the infamous pizzas. But, for the true experience, head to the original Lincolnwood location and order yourself the Chicago Classic. When you do, you will soon have the best deep dish pizza in Chicago sitting in front of you.
Gino’s East
Credit: Gino's East / Facebook
Head downtown to Gino’s East for yet another spin on the best deep dish pizza in Chicago. This pizzeria has been crafting some of the best deep dish pizza in Chicago for over fifty years. The flagship store on Superior Street has the vibe you would want when grabbing a beer and a slice with friends. Throw your name up on their graffiti wall while you’re here, or see if you can spot any of the celebrities who have fallen in love with this spot too. If you’re hoping for some laughs though, the River North location has a Comedy Car s well. So, between the pizza and the laughs, we love this spot.
So, what should you get while you’re here? Well, the menus vary a little bit by location, so make sure to check ahead of time where you’re going if you have something specific in mind. But, some crowd favorites are the Spinach Margarita Deep Dish Pizza, made with spinach, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Meaty Legend or the Supreme. Either way, make sure to enjoy one of Gino’s East handcrafted beverages from their Gino’s Brewing Co. So, from the brews to the pizza, everyone can attest that Gino’s East easily earns a spot on any best deep dish pizza in Chicago list.
Burt’s Place
Credit: Burt's Place / Facebook
You know you have something good coming when you see the paper towel holders booth side at Burt’s Place. They are a testament to the delicious deep dish pizza that is coming your way. Burt Katz is legendary when it comes to the best deep dish pizza in Chicago. He started Gullivers in 1965, Pequod’s in 1971, and then Burt’s Place in 1989. There is no doubt in any Chicago mind that he simply understands pizza. Having passed away in April of 2016, his expertise was passed onto the Petrow and Munao clans. So, you can still expect fantastic pizza from Burt’s Place for years to come.
You should know that Burt’s Place is technically a little bit out of Chicago in the suburbs. But, the moment you step inside you’ll see why it was worth the wait. Locals and tourists alike flock here, making it a unique destination and mixing bowl as you pass through. But, this legendary restaurant is quite busy, so call ahead to order your pizza. You don’t want to get there when they’ve run out of dough.
Pizzeria Uno
Credit: Pizzeria Uno / Facebook
How can a list of the best deep dish pizza in Chicago be legit without having the spot where it all began? Well, you’ve more than likely heard of Pizzeria Uno, also known informally as Unos. With restaurants all across the country, this is how Chicago deep dish love was spread. But, it will be more than worth it to pilgrimage to the flagship location on the corner of Ohio and Wabash. Started in 1943 by Ike Sewell, they’ve been pumping out deep dish pizzas longer than anyone. How did the first Pizzeria Uno start such a trend? Well, the original, tall, and buttery crust was covered in authentic Italian spices, high-quality tomatoes, and spectacular cheese. Then, this concoction was baked for almost an hour, which was unheard of at the time. And thus the deep dish pizza was born.
Giordano’s
Credit: Giordano's Pizza / Facebook
As with all the best deep dish pizza in Chicago, the favorite pizza at Giordano’s has a unique spin. They are known for their stuffed pie, which is crafted after their mother’s Easter pie. The dough leans a little more towards a sweet, pastry flavor. But we’re more than okay with that as they put a layer of cheese on the first layer of dough before throwing the second layer on. This double layer is pure magic. Of course, they then proceed to layer the sauce, toppings, and cheese on top. But, that extra layer of cheesy, doughy goodness is truly what sets Giordano’s apart as some of the best deep dish pizza in Chicago.
Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co.
Credit: Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. / Facebook
This small spot tucked away in Lincoln Park is not to be underestimated. Don’t let the small storefront fool you, Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. truly has some of the best deep dish pizza in Chicago. These pies are actually more on the side of pot pies than deep dish pizza, but they have the same concept in mind. Your pizza pie is created by throwing all the ingredients in a ramekin and actually cooking the crust on top. When served, it will be flipped upside down and you’ll have the most magical deep dish pizza bread bowl awaiting you.
With all of this goodness, you should come to expect quite a wait here. But, that will just give you more time to work up your appetite. While there is a vegetarian option available, the main pot pie is made with prime Boston butt sausage, doorknob-sized mushrooms, and of course a myriad of whole tomatoes, cheese, and seasonings. You can order it in a half-pound or full-pound size, depending on how hungry you are. But yes, they are still considered personal pizzas, so order one per person. But, after experiencing this marvel, there won’t be any question as to how this pie made it on the best deep dish pizza in Chicago list.
You have the intel. So, your quest for the best deep dish pizza in Chicago starts now.
If you’re having a little trouble figuring out how to make it to Chicago, that’s alright. Most of these restaurants actually ship their famous deep dish pizza all across the country. Yes, you could have a Chicago deep dish pizza in your own tomorrow night if you really wanted. So, start making your way through each of these fantastic establishments and let us know which deep dish pizza truly speaks to you. Each with its own unique flavor and twist, there is a reason to love each one.
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