Chicago’s pizza scene is world-renowned, offering everything from its famous deep-dish pies to crispy tavern-style slices. Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors or innovative options, Chicago has it all. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 20 best pizza spots in the city, with a focus on flavor, quality, and local favorites.
Pequod’s Pizza
Pequod’s is famous for its unique caramelized crust, a crispy, cheesy edge that adds a delicious twist to the classic Chicago deep-dish. The pizza here is loaded with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and generous toppings, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Expect long waits, but the pizza is worth it.
Lou Malnati’s
A staple of Chicago’s pizza scene, Lou Malnati’s offers a buttery crust that has just the right amount of crisp. Their signature deep-dish pizza, filled with layers of mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and sausage, is a true classic. With multiple locations across the city, it’s a convenient choice for anyone seeking authentic Chicago pizza.
Giordano’s
Giordano’s specializes in stuffed pizza, where two layers of dough encase a gooey mix of cheese and toppings. The pies are thick and heavy, making them perfect for those who love a pizza that’s hearty and filling. This is a quintessential stop for deep-dish enthusiasts visiting Chicago.
Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria
For over 70 years, Vito & Nick’s has been serving thin, crispy tavern-style pizza to the South Side of Chicago. Their cracker-thin crust pizzas are cut into squares, perfect for sharing. Topped with spicy Italian sausage and gooey cheese, this pizza has earned its place in Chicago’s pizza hall of fame.
Burt’s Place
Founded by Chicago pizza legend Burt Katz, Burt’s Place is famous for its caramelized crust and limited-availability pies. This small spot in Morton Grove serves a classic Chicago-style deep dish with a twist—toppings on top of the sauce, which is packed with flavor. It’s essential to order in advance, as they only bake a set number of pizzas each day.
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria
Piece offers a slice of New Haven, Connecticut, in Chicago with its thin-crust, coal-fired pizzas. Located in Wicker Park, this pizzeria also brews its own beer, making it a great spot for casual dining. The white clam pizza, a New Haven classic, is a must-try for adventurous eaters.
George’s Deep Dish
George’s brings innovation to Chicago’s deep-dish tradition by using a sourdough base and topping the pizza with cheese first, then sauce. Located in Edgewater, this small takeout spot produces pies with a crispy cornmeal crust and caramelized edges, giving each bite a mix of textures and flavors.
Pat’s Pizza and Ristorante
This Lincoln Park institution is beloved for its crispy, square-cut, thin-crust pizzas. The pizza here is light and crunchy, with a focus on fresh ingredients like spicy sausage and gooey mozzarella. It’s the perfect place for those who love thin-crust and want a classic Chicago tavern-style experience.
Spacca Napoli
For fans of authentic Neapolitan pizza, Spacca Napoli is a slice of Italy in the heart of Chicago. Their wood-fired pizzas have a thin, soft crust with beautifully charred edges. Topped with simple ingredients like buffalo mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes, each pizza is a work of art that’s ready in under two minutes.
Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe
Jimmy’s offers a taste of New York with its giant, foldable slices of New York-style pizza. The pies are thin, with a slightly crispy crust, topped with high-quality ingredients like house-made sausage and roasted peppers. It’s a perfect spot for a quick bite or a late-night pizza fix.
Paulie Gee’s
Paulie Gee’s focuses on wood-fired pizzas with gourmet toppings, like hot honey and house-made bacon jam. Located in Logan Square, this Brooklyn-born pizzeria combines a rustic ambiance with innovative flavors. The pizzas have a perfectly chewy crust, making each bite satisfying and full of flavor.
Dimo’s Pizza
Dimo’s is the place to go for creative, unconventional pizza toppings. From mac and cheese to chicken tikka masala, they offer pizzas that push the boundaries of traditional pizza-making. Located near Wrigley Field, it’s the perfect spot to grab a slice after a Cubs game or satisfy a late-night craving.
Milly’s Pizza in the Pan
Inspired by Pequod’s, Milly’s serves pan-style pizza with a thicker, cheesier crust and caramelized edges. Each pizza is made in limited quantities daily, so it’s wise to order in advance. Their pies, topped with fresh mozzarella and dollops of ricotta, are indulgent and unforgettable.
Coalfire
Coalfire is known for its ultra-thin, crispy pizzas baked in a coal-fired oven. With its signature crust that has a soft, chewy interior, Coalfire’s pizzas combine the best of both worlds. Toppings like whipped ricotta and Berkshire pork pepperoni elevate each pizza to gourmet status.
Five Squared Pizza
Operating out of a virtual kitchen, Five Squared specializes in Detroit-style square pizzas. Their pizzas have a fluffy, airy crust and come topped with inventive ingredients like Buffalo chicken and giardiniera. Each pizza is made from scratch, with a rotating menu to keep things fresh.
Connie’s Pizza
Connie’s is a beloved Chicago chain known for its traditional deep-dish pizzas and Italian-American comfort food. Their deep-dish pizza has a thick, crunchy crust, with a sauce that’s rich and tangy. Whether you opt for the classic sausage or veggie options, Connie’s will not disappoint.
Bartoli’s Pizzeria
Located in Roscoe Village, Bartoli’s serves both thin-crust and deep-dish pizzas. Their deep-dish pies are known for their buttery, flaky crusts, while their thin-crust pizzas offer a crispy, crunchy texture. With a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, Bartoli’s is a favorite among Chicago locals.
Bungalow by Middle Brow
Bungalow by Middle Brow is a neighborhood brewpub offering sourdough pizzas topped with seasonal ingredients. With options like wild mushrooms or butternut squash, these pizzas feel fresh and contemporary. Pair your pizza with one of their house-brewed beers for the full Bungalow experience.
Gino’s East
Gino’s East is one of the original names in Chicago deep-dish pizza. Their pies are known for their thick, buttery crusts and hearty fillings. The graffiti-covered walls of the restaurant create a fun, casual atmosphere, making it a favorite for both tourists and locals looking for an authentic deep-dish experience.
Labriola Chicago
Labriola offers a wide range of pizza styles, from thin-crust to deep dish, with a focus on high-quality ingredients. Their ciabatta-crust deep dish is a standout, providing a lighter, airier alternative to traditional deep-dish pizzas. Located on the Magnificent Mile, Labriola is a convenient and delicious option for downtown visitors.
Chicago’s pizza scene is second to none, offering a rich diversity of styles, flavors, and experiences. Whether you’re craving the deep-dish decadence of Pequod’s or the crispy, thin-crust tradition at Vito & Nick’s, there’s something for every pizza lover in the Windy City. Have you tried any of these pizza spots in Chicago? Share your thoughts and let us know which place should be next on your pizza adventure!
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