Chicago is known worldwide for its pizza. While Chicago is the proud home of deep-dish pizza, that isn’t the only type of pie you’ll find on this list. From popular chains to family owned joints and one spot over a century old, this post will cover the full gamut of where to grab pizza in Chicago. While there are countless great places to get pizza in Chicago, these are the places we think should be at the top of your bucket list on your next trip to the Windy City.
5. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
One of the two extremely popular and touristy chains on this list, Lou Malnati’s definitely serves up a great deep-dish pizza. Lou Malnati’s is definitely a touristy chain, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing! This chain operates like a well-oiled machine, and their menu is delicious. There are several locations throughout the city, too, making it a convenient place to eat on your next visit to Chicago.
We recommend looking at the menu ahead of time and calling ahead to pre-order your pizza, as they take a full 40-45 minutes to bake once you order. If you call ahead and ask to have a table reserved for you, you’ll be able to sit down and quickly get your pizza. This is especially helpful if you’re in a hurry!
4. Vito and Nick’s Pizzeria
A staple in Chicago’s Southside, this restaurant has been running for 90 years and doesn’t apologize for a thing. Vito and Nick’s has the feel of a local spot, and you’d never guess that it was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Vito and Nick’s doesn’t serve up the typical Chicago style deep-dish, but rather a thin crust that is charred to perfection and served alongside some local Chicago beers. The owners are deeply rooted South Chicagoans, and they’ve been a part of this community for as long as the city has been around. Vito and Nick’s is so popular among locals that they have never accepted credit cards as a form of payment. If you want to eat here, be sure to bring cash!
3. Giordano’s
Like Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s is a famous, touristy chain that makes a killing selling deep-dish pizza. While both chains are comparable, we found the pizza at Giordano’s to be slightly better and the ambiance of the restaurant to be slightly more relaxed and accepting. Lou Malnati’s, for example, made us leave our suitcase and stroller at the door while Giordano’s happily let us take it to our table. While Giordano’s is touristy, it is quite delicious. They have several locations throughout the city, including one right by Union Station, making them a convenient place to stop and dine. Like Lou Malnati’s, we recommend ordering in advance if you’re in a hurry, as the pizzas take 40-45 minutes to bake and even longer to eat.
2. Pequod’s Pizza
Pequod’s tops many lists of the best places to get pizza in Chicago, and I can definitely see why. While the location is a bit inconvenient (in the north of the city near Lincoln Park), Pequod’s is worth the hike. The pizza is as good as advertised, and the prices are actually unbeatable. While a meal at Giordano’s for two people winds up costing around $40, Pequod’s manages to come in at around half the price. Pequod’s is not very accessible to public transportation, but it is worth the trek if you’re able to make it. This is among the best pizza that you will find in Chicago, and you won’t break the bank buying it, either!
1. Labriola Chicago
A bit newer and a bit more upscale, Labriola Chicago has quickly been making a name for itself in the Chicago food scene. This restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, and is conveniently located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Labriola Chicago served up the best deep-dish pizza that we ate in Chicago – by far – and provided a great atmosphere in the process. If you are only able to have one deep-dish meal in Chicago, we highly recommend making it be at Labriola Chicago. Add fennel pollen to your pizza for an extra flare of flavor!
Thanks for reading my post with five great places to get pizza in Chicago. Hopefully these recommendations are useful to you as you plan your next trip to the Windy City! If there is a place that you think we missed, or if you disagree with our rankings, please let us know by commenting on this post. If you get sick of the city, consider heading out to any of the places that made our list of the top day trips from Chicago!