The Best Chicago Pizzas

Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza. Quite a few joints have tried to make great Chicago-style pizza, but only a few have really succeeded.

If you visit Chicago, you have to try deep-dish pizza. Thick, doughy crust topped with loads of cheese, sauce, and toppings makes this pizza truly unique. One slice is enough to leave you feeling stuffed, but also wanting more. Many stores have tried to replicate the deliciousness that is Chicago pizza, but only a few have truly succeeded in making the best pizza in town.

Lou Malnati’s

Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza is incredible. The first Lou Malnati’s opened in 1971, and they have been making great pizza ever since. Their crispy, “Buttercrust” is deliciously sweet and savory all at once. Topped with your choice of toppings, this pizza will not disappoint. They offer a host of topping options, from almost any vegetable you can think of to several different meats.

They also offer low-fat cheese and a gluten-free crustless pizza for those with dietary restrictions. This is a pizza best enjoyed within the city limits in one of their fun and fanciful storefronts, but if you don’t live in the area or aren’t visiting any time soon, you can get the pizza shipped to anywhere in the United States. Order one today and see what all the fuss is about.

Giordano’s

Giordano’s world famous stuffed pizza is also a Chicago favorite. This pizzeria was opened in 1974 and the franchise has grown to incorporate several neighborhoods of Chicago, as well as many suburban locations. The crust is less crispy and doughier, and the cheese just melts in with the crust, creating a pizza experience best enjoyed with a fork and knife.

With the sauce on top of the cheese and toppings, this is truly a unique pizza, and definitely one of the best pizzas in Chicago. You can top your pizza with almost anything you can think of, and you can’t go wrong with any choice. Looking for a gift for a pizza-lover in your life? Giordano’s also ships partially baked and frozen pizzas anywhere in the United States.

Gino’s East

Opening in 1966, a full five years before Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East is definitely a staple of the Windy City. These hand-made deep-dish pizzas are absolutely crave-worthy. Gino’s East hasn’t changed their recipe at all in the past 45 years, and all that care and experience gives you one of the best pizza experiences Chicago has to offer. The golden crust, chunky tomato sauce, and aged cheese may look similar to other deep-dish pizzas, but the taste is distinct. Something about the combination of sauce, spice, and cheese makes this pizza truly unique. Like Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s, Gino’s East pizzas are also available for local delivery and shipping outside the delivery area.

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder

From the 1920s to its rebirth as the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder in 1972, the building that houses this Chicago favorite has seen quite a bit of history. From the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre to a fire in 1971, this building could regale you with stories about Chicago if only it could talk.

The Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder does not ship or deliver pizzas, but a visit to the building is totally worth the trip. Be prepared to wait in line, though, because this place is popular. When you do get a table, be sure to check out the creative pizza pot pies, a pizza with the dough on top and all the fillings underneath. It is delectable. Whether you’re visiting or you live down the street, this is definitely a restaurant you have to try.

Most of these establishments offer thin crust pizza and other menu items if deep-dish pizza doesn’t appeal to you. However, when you’re in Chicago, you absolutely have to at least taste this Windy City legend.

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