Pizza is something that every single person knows about and there is no other city that is more famously associated with pizza slices than Chicago but believe me, there are so much more to pizza than just a Chicago deep-dish pizza. It ranges from great pizzerias that have been in operation from our grandparents’ times to the modern bright pizzerias in the city of Chicago. Now, no matter if you are a resident of the city or are just a tourist, if you have a hankering for pizza here are five of the best places to grab a slice in Chicago.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
It goes without saying that Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria can be considered one of the legends of the Chicago pizza market. This family owned business opened their pizzeria in 1971 and the place is very popular among locals as well as tourists offering Chicago Style deep dish pizza.
Signature Pizza: The Malnati Chicago Classic
TheRanking as the number one pizza on Lou Malnati’s menu is none other than the Malnati Chicago Classic. The deep-dish pizza is made with a buttery flaky pastry, Wisconsin mozzarella cheese, lean sausage, and vine-ripened tomato sauce. It has a thick layer of cheese and toppings spread over it after it is par-baked to achieve a crispy outside and a gooey inside.
Atmosphere
Lou Malnati’s outlets have a homely and a family dining concept with wooden furniture and a comfortable setting. Regardless of whether customers opt to eat at the restaurant or order delivery/takeout, they stand to benefit from courteous personnel and authentic Chicago pizza.
Locations
Lou Malnati’s has many outlets in different parts of Chicago and the outskirts, so it doesn’t matter where you are in Chicago. A different location is in Lincolnwood, but it is quite popular among the customers who crave history.
Giordano’s
Giordano’s is another legend in Chicago’s pizza scene, the place specializes in the stuffed deep-dish pizza. The history of Giordano’s came to existence back in 1974 when it was established by the Boglio brothers’ Italian expatriate. Reminiscent of the Easter pizza pie prepared by their mother, Giordano’s continues to be identified with stuffed pizza.
Signature Pizza: Stuffed Deep-Dish
The Giordano’s gourmet pizza stuffed pizza is deep-dish pizza in an altogether higher dimension. Giordano’s deep-dish pizza is unique, as there are two layers of crust present: cheese and toppings are put in between the two layers of dough, with tomato sauce as the final layer. The end product is a delightful mess of melting cheese and steaming bread in a very gratifying combination, I must add.
Atmosphere
Giordano’s restaurants have a more casual, yet vibrant atmosphere. The pizzerias are designed to cater to families, groups, and pizza enthusiasts looking to indulge in a hearty meal. The dining experience is enhanced by the sight of the pizzas being prepared in the open kitchen.
Locations
Currently, Giordano’s has several restaurants located in Chicago, including the one in the downtown area as a flagship restaurant. It is easily accessible thus making it possible for even a lay man to relish their parlé fame stuffed pizza.
Pequod’s Pizza
This chain owns the Pequod’s Pizza, which is loved and adored by people in Chicago for its unconventional approach to the famous deep-dish pizza. Based originally in Glencoe, IL and founded by the late Burt Katz in 1970, Pequod’s is characterized by its caramelized crust, which provides it with a unique taste and texture.
Signature Pizza: Caramelized Crust Deep-Dish
Pequod’s deep-dish pizza is characterized by its caramelized cheese crust, which is achieved by baking the pizza in a cast-iron pan, allowing the cheese to melt and caramelize around the edges. This results in a crispy, flavourful crust that complements the rich tomato sauce and generous toppings. Popular choices include sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is generally laid-back and the lighting is low making Pequod’s a perfect restaurant to gather for a meal with friends or relatives. Instead, it is a simple and comfortable atmosphere that is complemented by a relaxed employees attitude, one might also add that the restaurant is one of the usual pizzerias in a district.
Locations
Pequod’s has two main locations: The first is located in Morton Grove, a suburb of Chicago, and the second one is situated in Lincoln Park. Both locations are heavily crowded and there are usually long queues and even longer wait times particularly during lunch hours.
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria offers Chicagoans a pizza experience that is different from other thick crust, deep dish Chicago style pizza with New Haven-style pies. Piece, which has been in business since 2001, has received many accolades for its pizzas, including its thin and crispy crust as well as the quality of the ingredients used.
Signature Pizza: New Haven Style White Pizza
The white pizza piece is exclusive and made out of olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, clams included. This pizza is perfect for anyone who wants to try something out of the ordinary from the typical Chicago deep-dish pizzas. Piece also offers the opportunity for customers to build their own pizzas and choose more toppings.
Atmosphere
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria has friendly ambiance, making it ideal to locals and tourists who want to savor good pizza and beer. An open space with a bar and tables for many people to gather creates an environment that allows people to mingle. Facilities include award winning craft beers brewed at the brewery.
Locations
It is situated in Wicker Park area, which creates an impression of it being a rather popular site among people who wish to spend time in one of the most popular Chicago districts.
Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria
For those who want a print, thin crust pizza then Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria shop is the best place to visit. This pizzeria restaurant has been in operation since the 1940s and is owned by the same family, specializing in tavern-style pizza that has a cracker thin and crispy crust.
Signature Pizza: Sausage and Giardiniera Thin Crust
The sausage and giardiniera pizza by Vito & Nick’s is their best and most well-known pizza. The pizza is thin and crispy with a rich tomato sauce along with spicy sausage and tasty giardiniera. Toppings combine perfectly with the base to make it one of the local’s most preferred pizza joints, as it does not deviate much from tradition.
Atmosphere
The ambiance is typical of a Chicago tavern, relaxed with a touch of tradition from the 1930s which is also the restaurant’s themed period. Other features such as photographs, and memorabilia on the walls also enhance the nostalgic theme. It is a place where customers are always recognized and invited warmly, and new customers are assimilated immediately.
Locations
The original and principal business location of Vito & Nick’s is situated in the South Side of Chicago to give a genuine flavour of Chicago style of pizza. The pizzeria has been around for many years it has been able to maintain a good standard hence being one of the most valued businesses in the community.
Conclusion
Pizza in Chicago is as rich and dynamic as the city of Chicago itself. It includes the deep-dish pizzas at ‘Lou Malnati’ and ‘Giordano’, the black sesame seed crust at ‘Pequod’s’, ‘Piece’ and ‘Vito & Nick’s’. From true Chicago deep-dish to the authentic thin crust, classic or creative, these five restaurant offer the best of Chicago’s diverse pizza tradition.
In another related article, Pizza Quest in USA – Where to Find the Best Pizza in the U.S.