If you visit Chicago, Illinois, eating a slice of deep-dish pizza is practically a rite of passage. But for locals, deep dish isn't just a tourist gimmick—it is a beloved comfort food, a cold-weather staple, and the subject of endless, fierce neighborhood debates. Everyone has their favorite: some swear by the caramelized cheese halo at Pequod’s, others defend Lou Malnati’s buttercrust to the end, and some prefer the massive stuffed cheese-pull of Giordano’s.
But Chicago is a big, busy city, and getting a table at a legendary pizzeria during weekend dinner rush can require planning. Deep dish takes 35 to 45 minutes to bake from the moment you order, meaning a long line out the door can easily turn into a three-hour affair. To help you navigate the local pizza landscape, we have put together a guide to five of the absolute best deep-dish spots in Chicago, highlighting what makes each unique, where to find them, and how to skip the worst of the crowds.
Top 5 Best Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago
1. Pequod's Pizza — Lincoln Park, Chicago
Located at 2207 N Clybourn Ave in Lincoln Park, Pequod’s is widely considered by local foodies to serve the absolute best pizza in the city. What sets Pequod's apart is its signature "caramelized crust." Before baking the pan pizza, the chefs spread a layer of mozzarella cheese along the edge of the seasoned cast-iron pan. As the pizza bakes, the cheese melts down the sides, burning slightly to create a dark, crispy, caramelized cheese ring that is incredibly savory.
Why you should go: Pequod’s offers a highly unique, thick-crust experience with a salty, crispy, caramelized cheese edge that you cannot get anywhere else.
2. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria — River North, Chicago
Lou Malnati’s is a household name in Chicago, and their River North branch at 439 N Wells St is a fantastic, central spot to try it. Lou’s is famous for its flaky, biscuit-like "Buttercrust" and their signature assembly: a thin layer of crust, slices of Wisconsin mozzarella, a giant, single patty of seasoned Italian sausage that covers the entire pizza, and a topping of chunky, vine-ripened plum tomatoes.
Why you should go: Lou Malnati's is the gold standard for traditional, flaky-crust Chicago deep dish, especially if you order the sausage patty and their famous Buttercrust.
3. Giordano's — The Loop, Chicago
Located in the heart of downtown at 130 E Randolph St, Giordano's is the undisputed king of "stuffed" deep dish. Unlike standard deep dish, stuffed pizza adds an extra layer of thin dough over the cheese, which is then topped with tomato sauce. This creates an incredibly dense, cheese-filled slice that is famous for its epic, photogenic cheese pulls. It is heavy, rich, and incredibly satisfying.
Why you should go: Giordano's delivers the ultimate, cheese-packed stuffed slice, perfect for those who want a classic, decadent downtown dining experience.
4. The Art of Pizza — Lakeview, Chicago
For a more casual, neighborhood vibe, head to The Art of Pizza at 3033 N Ashland Ave in Lakeview. While most deep-dish pizzerias require you to order a whole pie and wait 45 minutes, The Art of Pizza is famous for selling deep dish by the slice from a heated counter. The crust is golden and crispy, the sauce is slightly sweet and heavily herbed, and the prices are exceptionally reasonable.
Why you should go: The Art of Pizza is the best spot in the city to grab a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly slice of deep dish without the long sit-down wait times.
5. Gino's East — Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Located just off the Mag Mile at 162 E Superior St, Gino’s East has been a tourist and local favorite since 1966. The dining room is famous for its graffiti-covered wooden booths and walls, where guests are encouraged to write their names. Gino's deep dish stands out for its distinct golden crust, which gets its color and unique texture from the use of cornmeal in the dough.
Why you should go: Gino's East offers a fun, historic atmosphere and a unique herbed cornmeal crust that provides a nice crunch.
Insider Tip: Because deep dish takes nearly 45 minutes to cook, Lou Malnati’s in River North allows you to place your pizza order at the host stand while you wait for a table. This ensures your pizza arrives at your table shortly after you are seated, saving you a lot of time.
How to Find the Best Deep Dish in Chicago Near You
To get the most out of your Chicago pizza experience, follow these tips:
- Understand Deep Dish vs. Stuffed: Deep dish has a single crust with cheese at the bottom and sauce on top. Stuffed pizza has a second layer of dough trapping the cheese inside. Stuffed is generally heavier and cheesier.
- Give Yourself Time: Do not plan a deep-dish dinner if you have a flight to catch or a theater show starting in an hour. From sit-down to checkout, a deep-dish meal takes at least 90 minutes.
- Don't Forget Thin Crust: Most Chicagoans actually eat tavern-style thin-crust pizza (cut into squares) on a weekly basis, saving deep dish for special occasions. Don't be afraid to try both!
- Order Lightly: A small deep dish (usually 10 inches) easily feeds two to three adults. Do not order a large pizza for two people unless you want to carry leftovers around the city.
Average Cost of Deep Dish in Chicago
Pizza prices in Chicago depend on the size and toppings, but a standard sit-down meal follows this general structure:
| Selection / Size | Average Cost (Casual / By the Slice) | Average Cost (Sit-down / Whole Pie) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Slice of Deep Dish | $4.50 – $6.00 | N/A |
| Small Deep Dish (feeds 2) | N/A | $22.00 – $28.00 |
| Medium Deep Dish (feeds 3) | N/A | $28.00 – $34.00 |
| Large Deep Dish (feeds 4+) | N/A | $34.00 – $42.00 |
| Extra Buttercrust Upgrade | N/A | $1.50 – $2.50 |
Final Thoughts
From the crispy, herbed slices at The Art of Pizza in Lakeview to the iconic caramelized cheese edges of Pequod’s in Lincoln Park, Chicago's deep-dish scene has something for everyone. It is a hearty, historic meal that defines the city's food culture. Skip the generic airport pies, head to a local neighborhood institution, and enjoy a true taste of Chicago near me.
