Pizza in Chicago: Top Places to Get the Best Pie
Chicago is renowned for its culinary delights, but nothing captures the city’s essence quite like its pizza. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, one thing is certain: you must experience the best pizza in Chicago. From deep-dish to thin crust, the Windy City offers a plethora of mouthwatering options. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top places to get the best pie in Chicago. Buckle up, pizza lovers!
1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
When discussing Chicago-style pizza, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria inevitably comes up. Founded in 1971, Lou Malnati’s has become synonymous with deep-dish pizza. Their crust is buttery, the cheese is perfectly melted, and the toppings are rich and flavorful. With numerous locations around Chicago, you can’t miss this iconic eatery.
What Makes Lou Malnati’s Special?
Lou Malnati’s stands out for its use of Wisconsin cheese, vine-ripened tomatoes, and a secret family recipe for the dough. The pizza is baked in a seasoned deep-dish pan, which gives the crust its distinctive taste. Make sure to try their “Malnati Chicago Classic,” which features lean sausage, extra cheese, and vine-ripened tomato sauce on the famous Buttercrust.
2. Giordano’s
Giordano’s has been a staple in Chicago since 1974, known for its stuffed deep-dish pizzas. These pies are a labor of love, taking about 45 minutes to bake to perfection. With a variety of fillings ranging from classic cheese to more adventurous options like chicken and spinach, Giordano’s offers something for everyone.
Why Choose Giordano’s?
Giordano’s stuffed pizzas are a culinary marvel. Each pie is baked with a thin layer of dough on the bottom and top, encapsulating a generous amount of cheese and toppings. The result is a gooey, cheesy masterpiece that will leave you craving more. Don’t miss their “Chicago Classic” with pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions.
3. Pequod’s Pizza
If you’re searching for a unique twist on the traditional deep-dish, Pequod’s Pizza is the place to go. Known for its caramelized crust, Pequod’s offers a one-of-a-kind pizza experience. The crust’s edges are crispy and slightly burnt, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, cheesy interior.
The Pequod’s Difference
Pequod’s pizza is baked in cast-iron pans, which helps achieve the signature caramelized crust. The pizza is topped with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese that melts and crisps up around the edges. Try their sausage and pepperoni pizza for a classic yet extraordinary experience.
4. Gino’s East
Gino’s East has been serving up legendary deep-dish pizzas since 1966. With its cornmeal crust and rich tomato sauce, Gino’s East offers a distinct take on the Chicago-style pizza. The ambiance of their graffiti-covered walls adds to the unique dining experience.
Signature Pizzas at Gino’s East
Gino’s East is famous for its “Meaty Legend” pizza, which is loaded with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and Canadian bacon. Another popular option is the “Chicago Fire,” featuring spicy sausage, fire-roasted red peppers, and red onions. Don’t forget to pair your pizza with one of their craft beers for the ultimate meal.
5. Art of Pizza
For those who appreciate both deep-dish and thin-crust, Art of Pizza is a must-visit. Voted as one of the best pizzas in Chicago, Art of Pizza offers a range of styles, including stuffed, pan, and thin-crust pizzas. Their commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous preparation makes every bite memorable.
What to Try at Art of Pizza
Art of Pizza’s “Art’s Special” is a crowd favorite, featuring sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. Their thin-crust pizzas are equally impressive, offering a crunchy and flavorful alternative to the heavier deep-dish. Make sure to also try their house-made garlic bread and cheesy breadsticks.
6. Dimo’s Pizza
If you’re looking for creative and unconventional pizza toppings, Dimo’s Pizza is the place to be. Known for its eclectic menu, Dimo’s offers unique options like the “Mac & Cheese” pizza and the “Buffalo Chicken” pizza. Located in Wicker Park and Wrigleyville, Dimo’s caters to adventurous eaters who love to experiment.
Unique Offerings at Dimo’s Pizza
Dimo’s pizza offerings aren’t limited to traditional ingredients. Their “Elotes” pizza, inspired by Mexican street corn, features roasted corn, cilantro, and lime mayo. Another standout is the “BBQChickenBaconCheddarRanch” pizza, which combines all your favorite flavors in one delicious slice.
7. Bartoli’s Pizzeria
Bartoli’s Pizzeria is a family-owned establishment that brings the authentic taste of Chicago to every pizza they make. Known for their deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas, Bartoli’s emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. Their welcoming atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among locals.
Must-Try Pizzas at Bartoli’s
Bartoli’s “Signature Deep Dish” is a must-try, featuring a buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. For those who prefer a lighter option, their thin-crust “Margherita Pizza” with fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomato sauce is a delightful choice. Pair your pizza with a side of their famous garlic knots for a complete meal.
8. Home Run Inn
Established in 1947, Home Run Inn is a Chicago institution known for its thin-crust pizzas. With a long history of serving delicious pies, Home Run Inn has perfected the art of pizza-making. Their pizzas are made with a unique blend of spices, contributing to their distinctive flavor.
Top Picks at Home Run Inn
Home Run Inn’s “Classic Cheese Pizza” is a testament to the saying that simple is often best. For meat lovers, the “Meat Lovers Pizza” with sausage, pepperoni, and bacon is a satisfying choice. Don’t forget to try their homemade Italian beef sandwich, another Chicago classic.
Conclusion
Chicago’s pizza scene is diverse and vibrant, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of the classic deep-dish or prefer a crispy thin-crust, the Windy City has you covered. From the iconic Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s to the innovative offerings at Dimo’s Pizza, you’re sure to find a pie that suits your taste. So, the next time you’re in Chicago, make sure to explore these top pizzerias and indulge in the best pizza the city has to offer.
Ready to embark on your Chicago pizza adventure? Share your favorite pizza spots in the comments below and let us know which pizzeria you’re excited to try next!
