Where to Get a Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago
If there’s one thing Chicagoans can agree on, it’s that deep dish pizza isn’t just food—it’s a full-on experience. Whether you’re a born-and-raised local or a recent Windy City transplant, you’ve likely found yourself craving that rich, cheesy, sauce-on-top masterpiece that put our city on the global food map. But with so many pizza joints claiming to serve the “best deep dish in town,” where should you actually go?
Good news—we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up five of the most beloved (and mouthwatering) spots to get deep-dish pizza within a quick 30-minute drive of downtown Chicago. These local legends are open to the public and ready to serve up that golden, gooey, sauce-drenched magic. Let’s dig in (literally).
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: A Chicago Staple
You can’t talk deep dish without talking Lou’s. With locations all over the city, including River North, Lincoln Park, and the South Loop, Lou Malnati’s is about as iconic as it gets. Their buttery, flaky crust is made from a secret family recipe, and it’s the perfect base for layers of mozzarella (sourced from a Wisconsin dairy), savory sausage, and that signature sweet tomato sauce.
Lou’s is a great spot whether you’re dining in or grabbing a pie to go. Bonus points for their “Malnati Salad” and the fact that they offer both traditional and crustless deep dish options (great for gluten-free folks!). If you haven’t had their classic sausage deep dish, stop what you’re doing and get one now—you’re missing out on a Chicago rite of passage.
Pequod’s Pizza: The Caramelized Crust Legend
If you ask ten locals where to get the best deep dish, at least half will say Pequod’s—and they’ll say it with passion. Tucked away in Lincoln Park (with another spot in Morton Grove), Pequod’s is known for one thing above all else: their caramelized crust. It’s crispy, slightly chewy, and packed with flavor thanks to the cheese that melts and bakes into the edges of the pan. Think pizza meets grilled cheese, and then make it deep dish.
Pequod’s doesn’t serve your typical Chicago deep dish—it’s more of a hybrid between pan pizza and deep dish—but trust us, it belongs on this list. The vibe is cozy, the beer is cold, and the slices are thick enough to knock you into a pizza coma in the best way possible.
Giordano’s: Stuffed Pizza Royalty
Giordano’s is the go-to for stuffed deep dish pizza lovers. Yes, stuffed. What’s the difference? While traditional deep dish has sauce on top and cheese/meat underneath, stuffed pizza adds an extra layer of dough over the toppings before the sauce goes on. It’s like a pizza lasagna, and it’s glorious.
With multiple locations in the city and suburbs, including near Millennium Park and Navy Pier, Giordano’s is a perfect place to bring out-of-town guests or satisfy your personal pizza cravings. Their crust is thick and hearty, their cheese pull is Instagram-worthy, and their selection of toppings is next-level. You’ll need a fork, a knife, and probably a nap after, but it’s worth every bite.
Art of Pizza: Award-Winning and Underrated
Located in Lakeview (and available via delivery if you’re feeling lazy), Art of Pizza flies a little more under the radar than some of the other big names—but make no mistake, this place is a deep dish powerhouse. They’ve won plenty of “Best Pizza in Chicago” awards over the years, and once you try a slice, you’ll understand why.
Their stuffed pizza is thick and cheesy with a crust that manages to be soft and crunchy at the same time. The sauce has a fresh, herby flavor, and they never skimp on toppings. Art of Pizza offers slices too, so it’s a great option if you just want a quick fix without committing to a whole pie. Locals love it, and now you will too.
Labriola Chicago: Upscale Deep Dish With a Twist
If you’re looking for something a little more refined but still fully indulgent, check out Labriola on Michigan Avenue. It’s part bakery, part restaurant, and fully obsessed with creating a premium deep dish experience. Their crust is made from a slow-fermented dough that’s more flavorful than your average pan, and they layer on artisan ingredients like hand-pulled mozzarella and spicy pepperoni.
Labriola’s deep dish leans slightly toward a pan-style pie, but it’s rich, hearty, and absolutely qualifies as comfort food. The ambiance is sleek enough for date night, but casual enough for a pizza night with friends. Trust us—this is where deep dish gets a little dressed up and still delivers major cheesy satisfaction.
So, Where Will Your Next Deep Dish Adventure Be?
When it comes to deep dish pizza, Chicago doesn’t mess around. Whether you’re a traditionalist craving Lou Malnati’s buttery crust, a crust rebel chasing Pequod’s caramelized edges, or a stuffed pizza devotee loyal to Giordano’s, there’s a spot (or five) with your name on it. And don’t sleep on hidden gems like Art of Pizza or Labriola if you’re in the mood for something a little different.
No matter which pizzeria you pick, you’re in for a cheesy, tomato-y, sauce-on-top treat that can only be found in the heart of the Midwest. So grab your fork, loosen that belt, and get ready to dive in.
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Tags: Chicago, Deep Dish Pizza
