Chicago is a city that loves its pizza an takes it seriously. Whether you’re a fan of deep dish, thin crust, or tavern style, there’s a pizza place in Chicago that’s sure to please. But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
Pizza Lovers Guide to the Best Pizza in Chicago
In this guide, I’ll introduce you to some of the best pizza places in Chicago, covering different styles, so you can eat and drink your way through the pizza restaurants in Chicago. From South Loop to River North; from Lowiclegan Square to Lincoln Square, I’m sharing my list of serious eats for pizza lovers.
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Deep dish pizza is the quintessential Chicago style, with a thick crust that can hold generous amounts of fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and toppings ranging from charred pepperoni and spicy sausage to hot peppers. The crust is usually buttery and flaky, and the sauce is often chunky and tangy. Here are some of my favorite places where you can try this iconic Chicago dish:
Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due
Locations: Pizzeria Uno – 29 E Ohio St, Chicago, Il 60611
Pizzeria Due – 619 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Chicago magazine calls it the “Pizza that spawned an empire,” and they are right. Uno and Due put Chicago deepdish on the map. Yes, you’ll probably have to wait a while to dine-in, and yes, it will be crowded and maybe even a little bit cramped.
There’s reason that folks are willing to wait for this cornmeal-crusted treat, though. It’s just this right balance of bread, sauce, cheese and whatever spicy extra you’re adding. My favorite is the Chicago Meat Market, with layers of mild sausage, meatballs, pepperoni, freshly mozzarella, thick tomato sauce, and a bit of pecorino romano.
In addition to the River North locations, you’ll find Pizzeria Uno locations in Lakeview and at the O’Hare airport.
Georges Deep Dish Pizza
Location: 6221 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660
You’ll have to plan ahead if you want to snag one of these highly coveted deep dish pies known for its tasty sourdough crust with a crispy, caramelized cheese edge. Choose from a variety of “George” pizzas, all named after a famous George (including Clooney, Michael and Harrison) or make your own with additions ranging from Ezzo Cup and Char Pepperoni to hand-rolled meatballs and beyond.
George’s Edgewater pizza place is carryout and delivery only, and owner George Bumbaris only makes a limited number of pies each day. They sell out quickly, so plan accordingly.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Location: Multiple Locations
Lou Malnati’s has a dedicated fan base (which includes a few of my family members) that consider Lou’s sauce the best you’ll ever taste. One of the oldest and most famous deep dish pizza chains in Chicago, with multiple outposts across the city and suburbs, Lou Malnati’s signature is their chunky sauce which they make from California-grown, vine-ripened tomatoes.
Add other special touches like buttery crust, fresh mozzarella and a delightfully lean sausage, and you’ve got Lou Malnati’s Chicago Classic. You can also customize your own pizza with a variety of toppings or try one of their specialty pizzas like the Lou (spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic) or the Crustless (a low-carb option made with sausage as the base).
Pequod’s Pizza
Location: 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
I know someone who considers Pequod’s the ONLY Chicago pizza worth the calories. I think it’s because they are addicted to the crust.
Pequod’s deep dish pan pizza has a twist: a ring of caramelized cheese around the crust that adds a crunchy and savory element. The pizzas are baked in cast iron pans and come in two sizes: 7-inch or 10-inch. You can choose from a range of toppings or go for one of their house pizzas like the Pepperoni (pepperoni and sausage) or the Veggie Special (mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives). Pequod’s has two locations: one in Lincoln Park and one in Morton Grove in the ‘burbs.
Giordano’s
Multiple Locations
Here’s my standard Giordano’s order: a Chicken Sausage Deep Dish with fresh Mushrooms and Spinach, a melt on your plate-and-in-your-mouth mix of perfect flavors and creamy, chewy mozzarella cheese.
Giordano’s is more than another well-known Chicago style deep dish pizza chain.
Serving Chicagoans since 1974, Giordano’s specializes in stuffed pizza, which is similar to deep dish but has an extra layer of dough on top of the cheese and sauce, creating a pie-like appearance. The stuffed pizzas are thick and filling and come in various sizes and flavors. They make a parmesan crusted pan pizza, and you can also order thin crust pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes, here, too.
EXPERT TIP: Giordano’s is one of the favorite pizza places in Chicago (love the Rush Street location in Gold Coast) for lunch. They make an amazing hand-stretched extra thin crust that is one of the best in the city.
My Pi Pizza
Location: 2010 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
You’ll find one of the best deep dish pizzas in Chicago at this Bucktown favorite. My Pi manages to make a crust unlike anyone other: delightfully crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.
Combine this with a sauce made from fresh San Marzano tomatoes along with Wisconsin cheese and you’re on your way to one of the best slices in the city. Looking for vegan options? You’re in luck: My Pi Pizza makes a vegan option with dairy-free cheese that’s just as delicious as it’s meaty counterpart.
EXPERT TIP: My Pi also makes an amazing thin crust you won’t want to miss.
Best Thin Crust or Tavern-Style Pizza in Chicago
Tavern-style pizza is the preferred pizza style for many Chicagoans, especially for casual gatherings and parties. Tavern-style pizza has a thin and crispy crust that is cut into squares rather than wedges. The toppings are usually simple and balanced, and the cheese is often sprinkled all the way to the edges. Here are some of the places where you can enjoy this classic style:
Vito & Nick’s
Location: 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652
Vito & Nick’s is a legendary tavern-style pizza joint that has been operating since 1946, and has attracted the attention of famous eaters like Guy Fieri, who features this spot on his popular “Diner’s Drive-in’s and Dives” television show.
A South Side institution, pizza at Vito and Nick’s is made with a cracker-thin crust, tangy sauce, and high-quality sausage. The cash-only spot doesn’t do delivery, so you’ll have to pick up your order or dine in at their no-frills dining room.
Coalfire Pizza
Locations: 1321 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 and 3707 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
I was there when Coalfire opened in West Town, and I still return regularly for a perfect crispy thin crust pie with just the right amount of char. One of the things I like best about Coalfire (in addition to the taste) is that the pizza comes right to your table while the cheese is still bubbling hot. Try the Pistachio Pesto pizza or my favorite, the Pepperoni and Whipped Ricotta.
Pat’s Pizza
Location: 2679 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Pat’s Pizza is a family-owned pizzeria that has been serving tavern-style pizza since 1950. No, there is no “Pat” here, but there are plenty of “Nick’s,” in fact all of the men in this family are named Nick! The pizza here is thin and crispy, with a generous amount of Mozzarella cheese and toppings.
You can choose from over 20 toppings or try one of their specialty pizzas like the Pat’s Special (sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions); BBQ Chicken (chicken, barbecue sauce, red onions); or my favorite The Cheeseburger Pizza with ground beef, onion, cheddar, mozzarella and pizza sauce.
Bungalow by Middle Brows
Location: 2840 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Bungalow by Middle Brows thin crust pizza is quickly gathering fans, and I’m included in that group. This Logan Square brewpub has a unique twist on the tavern-style pizza: the dough is made from a sourdough starter and forms a perfect thin crust base.
This gives it a tangy taste that pairs well with its fresh Wisconsin cheese and inspired toppings ranging from soppressata and hot honey to eggplant and shishito featuring shaved garlic, yuzu oil, Thai basil, and mint.
Marie’s Pizza & Liquors – TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Location: 4129 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Marie’s Pizza & Liquors is a unique establishment that combines a liquor store and a pizza parlor. The place has been around since the 1940s and has a vintage vibe. The pizza here is tavern-style with a bubbly cheese crust and fresh ingredients. You can grab a six-pack or a bottle of wine from the store and enjoy it with your pizza in the dining room. Marie’s Pizza & Liquors is located in Albany Park.
EXPERT TIP: You’ll notice Mike’s Hot Honey on the menu in many pizza places in Chicago. While honey and pizza don’t sound like they’d pair well, the blend of spicy and sweet on a pie is surprisingly delicious.
Neapolitan Style Pizza
Roberts Pizza and Dough Company
Location: 465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611
This Streeterville restaurant has a beautiful setting with comfy patio seating along the rivewalk, but that’s not the only reason people flock here. It’s the pizza: thin crust pies that are crispy and chewy at the same time, topped with rich tomato sauce and everything from roasted veggies to shrimp. They also offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, too.
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
Location: 1769 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
With a Neapolitan pizza that was named one of the best pizzas in the world, this Ravenswood pizzeria is a must-visit for any pizza lover. You can choose from more than 20 different thin crust pizzas at Spacca Napoli, and that’s not including the gluten-free options.
These are truly inspired pizzas: try the Pistachio, which features fior di latte mozzarella cheese, pistachio cream, sausage, and fresh basil; or my favorite, the Fiorentina, a simple but perfect pizza featuring fior di latte, spinach, garlic, ricotta, parmesan on a perfectly crisp crust, or any of the other tasty options.
Forno Rosso Pizzeria Napoletana
Locations: 1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 and 3719 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
This family-owned pizzeria has two locations: one in West Loop and one in Harlem. That means you’ll have two chances to try the pizza that one the coveted Caputo Cup, the award given for the best Neapolitan style pizza in the world. The Datterino features a perfect blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala, red piennolo tomatoes, basil, colle del giachi extra virgin olive oil and ciliegine di bufala (cherry-sized mozzarella balls).
That’s not all, though: you’ll find more than 20 different pizzas (and calzones), all artfully baked in a wood-fired pizza oven.
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria
Location: 1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
The ingredients stand out at this Wicker Park pizza spot. Piece serves New Haven- style pizza, which is more like a thin-crust tomato pie, with or without mozzarella. Of course, you can have it with the tomatoes, too, as is the case with the White Pizza.
That’s a thin crust brushed with olive oil, garlic, and mozzarella, and you can even add clams if you want. Be prepared to spend some time at Piece: it’s a friendly and comfortable spot with a lengthy list of brews.
More Amazing Pizzas in Chicago
Paulie Gees
Locations: Wicker Park 1566 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 and Logan Square 2451 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60644
Not sure which kind of pizza you prefer? Paulie Gees is the place to decide. With two locations, both featuring a thick and bready Detroit-style pies; a crispy thin crust, Neapolitan style, and deep dish you can eat your way through to a decision. There are some truly unique pizzas here. Don’t miss the Monte Cristo, which features Canadian bacon topped with maple syrup.
Naudi Signature Pizza
Location: 926 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
Yes, they make a delicious thin crust, but it’s the square pan pizzas that keep me coming back. It’s a perfect blend of ingredients with thick marinara, cheese that’s gooey inside and crispy on top and topped with fresh basil. Definitely a favorite.
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
Location: 2121 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Set inside a historic brownstone in Lincoln Park, you’ll find ambiance galore at this time-honored favorite. The Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company serves Pizza Pot Pie that is so rich and delicious that you won’t be able to eat in one sitting. It’s a half-pound of buttery dough, rich tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese with just the right amount of pull, and whatever toppings you add. This is a true Chicago institution.
Conclusion: On Finding the Best Pizza in Chicago
No, I’m not a restaurant critic, and maybe not even a true pizza connoisseur. But, like you, I love pizza, and have eaten more than my fair share over the years.
We hope this guide has given you a taste of what this city has to offer, whether you’re a local on a quest for a new favorite spot or a visitor eager to experience Chicago’s culinary charm. However, the adventure doesn’t stop here. Share your own pizza discoveries in the comments below – we’d love to hear your recommendations and stories!
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In your journey to find the ‘best pizza in Chicago,’ remember that every slice tells a story, and every bite is a taste of the city’s rich culinary history. Thank you for joining us on this delicious expedition. Until next time, may your pizza be hot, your crusts be crispy, and your toppings be absolutely delightful!