Top 10 Pizza Places in Chicago
Hi there, my name is Emily Johnson and I’m a self-proclaimed pizza enthusiast. I’ve traveled all over the US in search of the perfect slice, and I can confidently say that Chicago has some of the best pizza in the country. After trying countless pizzerias in the city, I’ve come up with a list of the top 10 pizza places in Chicago.
Curiosities, Statistics, and Interesting Information
- Chicago-style deep dish pizza was invented in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno.
- Chicago has over 2,000 pizzerias.
- The average American eats 23 pounds of pizza per year.
- Pequod’s Pizza is famous for its caramelized crust.
- Lou Malnati’s Pizza is the preferred choice of Oprah Winfrey.
1. Pequod’s Pizza
Pequod’s Pizza is a local favorite and has been serving up delicious deep dish pizza since 1971. What sets Pequod’s apart from the rest is their caramelized crust, which is made by spreading cheese all the way to the edge of the pan and letting it caramelize during baking. Trust me, it’s worth the wait in line.
2. Lou Malnati’s Pizza
Lou Malnati’s is a Chicago institution and has been serving up award-winning deep dish pizza since 1971. Their signature buttery crust, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese make for a perfect pizza experience. Plus, it’s Oprah Winfrey’s favorite pizza place.
3. Gino’s East
Gino’s East is known for their graffiti-covered walls and delicious deep dish pizza. Their crust is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and their toppings are always fresh and flavorful. Be sure to leave your mark on the walls with a marker before you leave.
4. Pizzeria Uno
You can’t talk about pizza in Chicago without mentioning Pizzeria Uno, the birthplace of Chicago-style deep dish pizza. They’ve been serving up their famous pies since 1943, and they’re still just as delicious today. Be warned, though, the deep dish pizza takes about an hour to bake, so plan accordingly.
5. Art of Pizza
Art of Pizza may be a hidden gem, but it’s definitely worth seeking out. Their deep dish pizza is topped with a generous amount of cheese and toppings, and their crust is crispy and flavorful. Plus, their prices are very reasonable compared to some of the other pizza places on this list.
6. Louisa’s Pizza and Pasta
Louisa’s Pizza and Pasta is a family-owned pizzeria that has been serving up delicious thin crust pizza since 1976. Their crust is crispy and thin, and their toppings are always fresh and flavorful. Plus, they offer a variety of other Italian dishes if you’re in the mood for something different.
7. Piece Brewery and Pizzeria
Not only does Piece Brewery and Pizzeria serve up delicious pizza, but they also brew their own beer on-site. Their New Haven-style pizza has a thin, crispy crust and is topped with unique combinations of toppings like mashed potatoes and bacon. Plus, their beer is always cold and refreshing.
8. Giordano’s
Giordano’s is another Chicago institution and has been serving up their famous stuffed pizza since 1974. Their crust is buttery and flaky, and their pizza is stuffed with cheese and toppings. Be sure to bring your appetite, though, because one slice is usually enough to fill you up.
9. Home Run Inn Pizza
Home Run Inn Pizza may have started as a small tavern on the south side of Chicago, but it has since grown into a beloved pizza chain. Their thin crust pizza is crispy and flavorful, and their toppings are always fresh and plentiful. Plus, their frozen pizzas are available in grocery stores across the country.
10. Rosati’s Pizza
Rosati’s Pizza is a family-owned chain that has been serving up delicious thin crust pizza since 1964. Their crust is crispy and flavorful, and their toppings are always fresh and delicious. Plus, they offer a variety of other Italian dishes if you’re in the mood for something different.
FAQs
What is Chicago-style deep dish pizza?
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a type of pizza that has a thick crust, similar to a pie crust, and is filled with cheese, sauce, and toppings. It’s typically baked in a deep dish pan and takes longer to bake than a traditional thin crust pizza.
What makes Chicago-style deep dish pizza different from other types of pizza?
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is different from other types of pizza because of its thick crust and deep dish pan. It’s also typically loaded with cheese and toppings, making it a heartier meal than a traditional thin crust pizza.
What are some other popular pizza places in Chicago?
Some other popular pizza places in Chicago include Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East, and Giordano’s.