So you’ve found yourself in the Windy City and you’re craving some delicious pizza? Well, look no further, because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’re going to take you on a mouthwatering journey through the top pizza joints in Chicago. From deep-dish wonders to thin-crust delights, we’ll guide you to the best places to satisfy your pizza cravings. But that’s not all – we’ll also throw in some must-eat meals like hot dogs and Italian beef, because let’s face it, Chicago is truly a food lover’s paradise! So get ready to indulge in the city’s culinary treasures as we take you on a delightful pizza adventure.
Deep Dish Pizza
When it comes to deep dish pizza in Chicago, there are a few names that stand out among the rest. Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, and Pequod’s Pizza are three establishments that have become legendary in the city.
Giordano’s is known for its famous stuffed deep dish pizza. Imagine a thick, buttery crust filled with gooey cheese and topped with a chunky tomato sauce. This indulgent pizza is perfect for those craving a hearty and satisfying meal. The crust is flaky and crispy, while the cheese and sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors. Giordano’s has built a reputation for consistently delivering delicious deep dish pizza, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
Lou Malnati’s is another Chicago institution when it comes to deep dish pizza. Their signature butter crust is what sets them apart from the rest. The crust is flaky, buttery, and slightly crispy, providing the perfect foundation for the generous layers of cheese and toppings. The tomato sauce is tangy and flavorful, adding a nice balance to the richness of the cheese and crust. Lou Malnati’s attention to detail and commitment to quality make their deep dish pizza a standout choice.
If you’re looking for a unique twist on deep dish pizza, look no further than Pequod’s Pizza. While still considered deep dish, Pequod’s has a distinct style that sets it apart. The crust is caramelized with a ring of cheese around the edge, creating a slightly crispy and caramelized crust that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. This unique touch sets Pequod’s apart from other deep dish pizza joints in the city and has made it a favorite among locals.
Thin Crust Pizza
While deep dish may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Chicago pizza, the city is also home to some amazing thin crust pizza options. Vito & Nick’s, Coalfire, and Home Run Inn are three places that excel in this style.
Vito & Nick’s is a South side institution that has been serving up thin crust pizza since 1946. The crust is thin and crispy, providing the perfect base for the generous toppings. Vito & Nick’s takes pride in using high-quality ingredients, from the flavorful tomato sauce to the fresh toppings. Whether you’re a fan of classic cheese or prefer something a bit more adventurous, Vito & Nick’s has got you covered.
For those looking for a more unique thin crust pizza experience, look no further than Coalfire. As the name suggests, Coalfire utilizes a coal oven to cook their pizzas. The result is a pizza with a charred and slightly smoky flavor that sets it apart from other thin crust options. The crust is thin, yet chewy, and the toppings are always of the highest quality. Coalfire prides itself on its simplicity, using minimal ingredients that let the flavors speak for themselves.
If you’re in the mood for a classic tavern-style thin crust pizza, Home Run Inn is the place to go. This family-owned pizzeria has been serving delicious thin crust pizzas since 1947. The crust is thin, crispy, and slightly flaky, providing the perfect base for their generous cheese and toppings. Home Run Inn takes pride in using homemade dough and sauce, ensuring that each pizza is made with love and care. Whether you’re visiting their original location on Chicago’s South side or stopping by one of their many other locations, you’re guaranteed a delicious pizza experience.
Neapolitan Pizza
For those craving a taste of Italy, Chicago is home to some incredible Neapolitan pizza joints. Spacca Napoli, Nella Pizzeria Napoletana, and Pizzeria Da Nella are three establishments that have perfected this classic style.
Spacca Napoli is a cozy and rustic pizzeria that brings the flavors of Naples to Chicago. Their Neapolitan pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a thin and slightly charred crust. The toppings are simple yet flavorful, with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and a variety of traditional Italian ingredients. Spacca Napoli’s commitment to authenticity and dedication to high-quality ingredients make it a must-visit for Neapolitan pizza lovers.
Nella Pizzeria Napoletana takes its Neapolitan pizza seriously. With a focus on traditional techniques and ingredients, this pizzeria creates pizzas that transport you straight to Naples. The crust is soft and chewy, with a slightly charred exterior from the wood-fired oven. Nella Pizzeria Napoletana offers a variety of toppings, from classic margherita to more innovative combinations. No matter which pizza you choose, you can trust that it will be made with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Pizzeria Da Nella is a hidden gem tucked away in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. This family-owned pizzeria specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza and brings a taste of Southern Italy to the city. The crust is soft and pillowy, with a touch of char from the wood-fired oven. Pizzeria Da Nella offers a variety of traditional toppings, all made with high-quality ingredients imported from Italy. Whether you opt for a classic margherita or try one of their more creative combinations, you’re in for a treat.
Artisanal Pizza
If you’re in the mood for a truly unique pizza experience, Chicago is home to several artisanal pizza joints that push the boundaries of traditional pizza-making. Piece Brewery and Pizzeria, Paulie Gee’s, and Antica Pizzeria are three places that excel in this category.
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria is not your typical pizza joint. Combining the art of brewing with the craft of pizza-making, Piece offers a truly unique dining experience. Their New Haven-style pizza is characterized by its thin and chewy crust, generous toppings, and a variety of creative flavor combinations. Piece takes pride in using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that each pizza is bursting with flavor. Pair your pizza with one of their award-winning beers for the ultimate dining experience.
Paulie Gee’s is a Brooklyn transplant that has quickly become a favorite among Chicago pizza enthusiasts. Their wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. The crust is soft, chewy, and slightly charred, creating a perfect canvas for their creative and flavorful toppings. From classic Margheritas to more inventive combinations, Paulie Gee’s has something for everyone.
For a taste of Italy in Chicago, look no further than Antica Pizzeria. This restaurant specializes in traditional Neapolitan-style pizza made with carefully sourced ingredients. The crust is soft and chewy, with a slightly charred exterior from their wood-fired oven. Antica Pizzeria offers a variety of classic toppings, all made with the freshest ingredients. The attention to detail and commitment to tradition make Antica Pizzeria a standout among Chicago’s artisanal pizza scene.
Classic Chicago Pizza
When it comes to classic Chicago pizza, there are a few names that have become synonymous with the city. Pizano’s, Gino’s East, and The Art of Pizza are three establishments that have been serving up classic Chicago-style pizza for decades.
Pizano’s is a family-owned pizzeria that has been satisfying Chicagoans’ pizza cravings since 1943. Their classic deep dish pizza is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The crust is thick and buttery, the cheese is gooey, and the sauce is tangy and flavorful. Pizano’s attention to detail and commitment to using high-quality ingredients make their deep dish pizza a must-try.
Gino’s East is a Chicago institution when it comes to deep dish pizza. Established in 1966, Gino’s East has been serving up their signature deep dish pies for over 50 years. The crust is buttery and crispy, the cheese is melty and flavorful, and the sauce is chunky and rich. Gino’s East is famous for its graffiti-covered walls, a tradition that began in the ’60s when customers were encouraged to leave their mark. The combination of delicious pizza and a unique dining experience has made Gino’s East a beloved Chicago landmark.
If you’re looking for a classic slice of Chicago pizza, look no further than The Art of Pizza. This unassuming pizzeria has been serving up delicious thin crust pizza since 1983. The crust is thin and crispy, yet sturdy enough to hold up to the generous toppings. The cheese is melty and flavorful, and the sauce is tangy and slightly sweet. The Art of Pizza takes pride in their attention to detail, ensuring that each slice is made with care. Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice or ordering a whole pie, The Art of Pizza is a true taste of Chicago.
New York Style Pizza
While Chicago is known for its deep dish pizza, New York-style pizza has also found a home in the Windy City. Bacci Pizzeria, Pequod’s Pizzeria, and Lou Malnati’s (Thin Crust) are three places that serve up delicious slices of this iconic style.
Bacci Pizzeria brings a taste of New York to the streets of Chicago. Their New York-style pizza features a thin and foldable crust, generous toppings, and a perfect balance of flavors. Bacci Pizzeria prides itself on using fresh and high-quality ingredients, ensuring that each slice is packed with flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for classic cheese or something a bit more adventurous, Bacci Pizzeria has you covered.
While Pequod’s Pizza is known for its deep dish pizza, they also offer a delicious New York-style thin crust option. The crust is thin, crispy, and slightly chewy, providing the perfect base for their flavorful toppings. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cheese or one of their specialty pizzas, Pequod’s delivers the same dedication to quality and flavor that has made them a Chicago favorite.
If you’re looking for a taste of New York in Chicago, Lou Malnati’s is another great option. Their thin crust pizza features a thin and crispy crust, a tangy tomato sauce, and a generous helping of cheese and toppings. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly satisfying slice of pizza. Lou Malnati’s attention to detail and commitment to quality shine through in their thin crust offerings, making it a must-try for pizza lovers.
Gourmet Pizza
Sometimes you’re in the mood for something a bit more elevated than your traditional pizza joint. Chicago is home to several gourmet pizza establishments that take pizza to the next level. Dough Bros, Bonci Pizzeria, and Pizzeria Bebu are three places that excel in this category.
Dough Bros is a pizzeria that focuses on unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients. Their pizzas feature a thin and crispy crust, topped with a variety of innovative and fresh ingredients. From their Truffle White pizza with truffle oil and mushrooms to their Bourbon BBQ Chicken pizza, Dough Bros takes traditional pizza flavors and turns them into something extraordinary.
Bonci Pizzeria is an artisanal pizza joint that brings a taste of Rome to Chicago. Their pizzas are rectangular in shape, with a thick yet light and airy crust. The toppings are carefully selected and range from classic margherita to more adventurous combinations. Bonci Pizzeria prides itself on its commitment to using high-quality ingredients and creating unique and flavorful pizza experiences.
Pizzeria Bebu offers a gourmet twist on traditional pizza flavors. Their pizzas feature a thin yet chewy crust, topped with a variety of fresh and high-quality ingredients. From their Bacon Jam pizza with fontina, caramelized onions, and bacon jam to their Mushroom and Truffle pizza, Pizzeria Bebu creates pizzas that are bold in flavor and exquisite in presentation. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or looking to try something new, Pizzeria Bebu has something for everyone.
Slice Joints
Sometimes you’re on-the-go and just need a quick slice of pizza. Chicago is home to several slice joints that serve up delicious and satisfying slices of pizza. Phil’s Pizza, Armand’s Pizzeria, and Dimo’s Pizza are three places that excel in this category.
Phil’s Pizza is a no-frills slice joint that has been serving up delicious pizza since 1993. Their thin crust pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and are always served piping hot. Phil’s Pizza is known for its generous toppings and flavorful sauce, making it a go-to spot for a quick and satisfying slice.
Armand’s Pizzeria is a family-owned establishment that has been serving up delicious pizza since 1956. Their thin crust pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients and are always served fresh and hot. Armand’s takes pride in using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that each slice is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cheese or one of their specialty pizzas, Armand’s has you covered.
If you’re looking for unique and creative pizza flavors, look no further than Dimo’s Pizza. Dimo’s offers a rotating selection of specialty slices that range from classic flavors to more adventurous combinations. From their Mac & Cheese pizza to their Buffalo Chicken pizza, Dimo’s pushes the boundaries of traditional pizza-making and creates slices that are as delicious as they are innovative.
Unique Pizza Concepts
Chicago is a city known for its diverse dining scene, and that extends to its pizza as well. Whether it’s a unique atmosphere or a creative twist on traditional pizza, these establishments offer something different. Bar Siena, Labriola Chicago, and Pizza Metro are three places that showcase Chicago’s unique pizza concepts.
Bar Siena is a vibrant Italian-inspired restaurant located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. While they offer a variety of Italian dishes, their pizza is not to be missed. Bar Siena’s pizzas feature a thin and crispy crust, topped with a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients. From classic Margheritas to more innovative combinations like their Pistachio Pesto pizza, Bar Siena offers a unique twist on traditional pizza flavors.
Labriola Chicago is an upscale Italian restaurant that takes pizza to the next level. Their pizzas feature a thin and crispy crust, topped with high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. From their Lobster Pizza with truffle lobster cream, fontina, and Meyer lemon gremolata to their Fig & Pig Pizza with prosciutto di Parma, fig jam, and gorgonzola, Labriola Chicago creates pizzas that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
For a taste of Rome right in Chicago, look no further than Pizza Metro. This unique pizzeria specializes in pizza al metro, which translates to “pizza by the meter.” Their pizzas are long and rectangular, allowing you to try a variety of flavors in one sitting. From classic Margheritas to more adventurous combinations, Pizza Metro offers a unique dining experience that is perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Hidden Gems
Sometimes the best pizza can be found in unexpected places. These hidden gems may not be the first places that come to mind when thinking of Chicago pizza, but they are definitely worth seeking out. Pequod’s Pizza (Pan Style), Nonna’s Pizzeria, and Roots Handmade Pizza are three establishments that fly under the radar but deliver exceptional pizza.
Pequod’s Pizza is already familiar in the deep dish category, but their pan style pizza is a hidden gem. The crust is thick and buttery, with a distinctive caramelized cheese crust around the edge. The toppings are generous and flavorful, creating a pizza that is equal parts indulgent and delicious. If you’re a fan of thick and cheesy crusts, Pequod’s pan style pizza is a must-try.
Nonna’s Pizzeria is a small neighborhood pizzeria that has been serving up delicious pizza since 1986. Their thin crust pizzas are made with fresh and high-quality ingredients and are always cooked to perfection. Nonna’s offers a variety of toppings, from classic pepperoni to more unique combinations. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make Nonna’s a hidden gem that locals love.
Roots Handmade Pizza is a hidden gem tucked away in the Chicago neighborhood of West Town. Their pizzas feature a thin and crispy crust, topped with a variety of fresh and high-quality ingredients. From their classic Margherita to their creative combinations like their Calabrese pizza with spicy sausage and pickled peppers, Roots Handmade Pizza creates pies that are as tasty as they are inventive. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it a favorite among locals.
In conclusion, Chicago is a pizza lover’s paradise. From the iconic deep dish to the thin crust and beyond, there is a pizza joint to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Chicago-style pizza or something a bit more unique, the city offers a wide range of options. So next time you find yourself in the Windy City, be sure to grab a slice and experience the deliciousness that is Chicago pizza.