Unearth The Voyage
Chicago pizza lovers have been debating for decades: thick, buttery deep dish or crispy, square-cut tavern style? The truth is, both styles have earned their place in the city’s food history, and you don’t have to pick a side to enjoy amazing pizza. From legendary deep-dish joints where the crust is practically caramelized perfection to neighborhood tavern-style spots serving cracker-thin pies, the Windy City offers something for every craving. Here are seventeen pizzerias across Chicago that celebrate both traditions and prove you can love them equally.
1. Lou Malnati’s (multiple city locations) – the butter-crust benchmark
Family-run since 1971, Lou Malnati’s has built a reputation on consistency and quality that spans generations. The secret lies in that famous buttery crust, which forms a flaky, rich foundation for layers of gooey mozzarella, chunky tomato sauce, and your choice of toppings.
Locations across the city make it easy to grab a table, but the Gold Coast and South Loop spots offer a classic dine-in vibe. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, the experience feels welcoming and unpretentious.
Pair your pie with a cold drink and soak in the neighborhood atmosphere. Lou’s proves that sometimes the best traditions are the ones that never change.
2. Giordano’s (multiple city locations) – stuffed pie superstar
Giordano’s made its name by taking deep dish to new heights with their signature stuffed pies. Two layers of dough sandwich an almost absurd amount of cheese, creating a pizza that’s more meal than snack.
The Millennium Park and Randolph Street location is perfect for tourists and locals alike, offering quick access after a day exploring downtown. In a fun 2025 twist, they’ve even added tavern-style thin crust to the menu, though the stuffed classic remains the star.
Plan for a wait, both for a table and for your pizza to bake. Good things take time, and Giordano’s stuffed pie is worth every minute of anticipation.
3. Gino’s East – Mag Mile flagship
Walking into the Michigan Avenue flagship feels like stepping into Chicago pizza history, with every inch of wall covered in decades of customer graffiti. The tradition of signing your name or leaving a message has become as iconic as the pizza itself.
Gino’s buttery, cornmeal-dusted crust delivers that signature crunch before giving way to a soft, doughy center. Loaded with cheese and tangy tomato sauce, it’s the kind of pizza that sticks to your ribs and your memory.
Located just off the Magnificent Mile, it’s a convenient stop for anyone exploring downtown. Grab a marker, add your mark to the walls, and join the legacy.
4. Pequod’s (Lincoln Park) – caramelized-crust cult favorite
Pequod’s has earned a cult following thanks to one brilliant detail: a ring of caramelized cheese that crisps up against the edge of the pan. That golden, slightly charred rim adds a salty, crunchy contrast to the soft, cheesy center.
The Lincoln Park location can get packed, especially on weekends, so reservations are highly recommended. The atmosphere is cozy and laid-back, with a neighborhood feel that makes you want to linger over every slice.
Order a classic sausage or pepperoni pie and watch as the cheese bubbles and browns to perfection. Once you try that caramelized edge, you’ll understand the hype.
5. Pizzeria Uno – where deep dish began (1943)
This is where it all started. In 1943, Pizzeria Uno invented deep-dish pizza, forever changing Chicago’s culinary landscape.
The River North location still welcomes diners eager to taste the original recipe in the place where it was born. Stepping inside feels like a trip back in time, with dark wood booths and a menu that honors tradition.
Booking a table here is more than just eating pizza; it’s connecting with a piece of food history. The pies are hearty, the sauce is tangy, and the crust holds up under all that weight. For visitors especially, Uno offers the birthplace story many come to Chicago seeking.
6. Pizzeria Due – Uno’s sister spot
Just one block away from Uno, Pizzeria Due opened to handle the overflow crowds and recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. The same famous deep-dish recipe gets served here, so you’re not missing out by choosing Due over Uno.
The vibe is slightly more intimate, with a quieter, neighborhood feel that some diners prefer. Reservations are easier to snag, making it a smart backup plan if Uno is fully booked.
The pizza arrives piping hot, with a thick crust that cradles layers of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. Whether you’re a history buff or just hungry, Due delivers the goods without the wait.
7. Art of Pizza (Lakeview & Loop) – critics’ champ
Critics from the Chicago Tribune have sung the praises of Art of Pizza, calling it one of the best in the city for both deep dish and thin crust. The Ashland Avenue location in Lakeview is the classic shop, with carryout and delivery options for those who want to enjoy it at home.
The deep dish here is rich without being overwhelming, striking a balance that keeps you coming back. The thin crust is equally impressive, crispy and loaded with flavor.
Whether you’re team deep or team thin, Art of Pizza makes a strong case for both. It’s a no-frills spot where the food does all the talking.
8. Connie’s Pizza (Chinatown) – South Side institution with deep & thin
Connie’s has been a South Side name for decades, serving both deep dish and Chicago thin crust to generations of families. The Archer Avenue location remains active, with posted hours and a menu that honors the neighborhood’s roots.
Located in the heart of Chinatown, it’s a great stop after exploring the area’s shops and cultural sites. The deep dish is hearty and satisfying, while the thin crust offers a lighter, crispier option.
Connie’s proves that great pizza isn’t just a downtown or North Side thing. The South Side has its own legends, and this is one of them worth seeking out.
9. Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. (Lincoln Park) – the pizza-pot-pie original
This isn’t your typical deep dish. Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. serves a one-of-a-kind pizza pot pie, baked upside down in a bowl and flipped onto your plate.
Since 1972, this Lincoln Park spot has drawn crowds willing to wait for a table and a made-to-order pie. The crust is flaky and golden, the filling is packed with cheese, sauce, and toppings, and the presentation is pure theater.
It’s a uniquely Chicago experience that breaks all the pizza rules in the best way. Cash only, so come prepared, and expect a line out the door on busy nights.
10. Vito & Nick’s (Ashburn) – the archetype
Since the 1950s, Vito & Nick’s has been the gold standard for tavern-style pizza on the South Side. The crust is cracker-thin, the edges are crispy, and the pies are party-cut into squares, perfect for sharing.
This is a cash-only establishment, so hit the ATM before you arrive. The atmosphere is no-frills and neighborhood-focused, with regulars who’ve been coming for decades.
Order a sausage pie and watch as it arrives impossibly thin yet loaded with flavor. Vito & Nick’s proves that you don’t need a thick crust to make a lasting impression in Chicago pizza history.
11. Pat’s Pizza & Ristorante (Lincoln Park) – neighborhood favorite
Pat’s Pizza & Ristorante has been a Lincoln Park staple for years, beloved for its ultra-thin tavern pies and old-school charm. This women-owned spot keeps the menu simple and the quality high, with active hours and a loyal neighborhood following.
The crust is so thin it practically shatters when you bite into it, and the toppings are generous without weighing it down. It’s the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and newcomers feel instantly welcome.
Grab a booth, order a pie, and settle in for a meal that feels like home. Pat’s is proof that great pizza doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
12. Candlelite (Rogers Park + Lincoln Park) – neon-lit legend, now with a second home
The Rogers Park icon has been slinging classic tavern-style pizza under neon lights for decades, and in 2024, Candlelite added a second location near the iO Theater in Lincoln Park. Both spots serve the same crispy, square-cut pies that made the original famous.
The vibe is retro and unpretentious, with booths, beer, and pizza that hits the spot every time. The crust is thin and crunchy, the cheese is perfectly melted, and the party cut makes it easy to share.
Whether you’re in Rogers Park or Lincoln Park, Candlelite delivers a slice of Chicago pizza tradition with a side of neighborhood charm.
13. Home Run Inn (Archer Ave, Midway & more) – the South Side standard-bearer
Born as a tavern in the 1920s, Home Run Inn has grown into a South Side institution with several city locations still serving up classic tavern-style pizza. Even after some suburban closures, the core Chicago spots remain open and thriving.
The crust is thin and crispy, the sauce is tangy, and the cheese stretches just right. It’s the kind of pizza that pairs perfectly with a cold beer and a Cubs or Sox game on TV.
Home Run Inn represents Chicago pizza at its most unpretentious and satisfying. It’s a family name that’s stood the test of time for good reason.
14. Flo & Santos (South Loop) – tavern-style with Polish flair
Flo & Santos brings a unique twist to Chicago tavern-style pizza by pairing square-cut pies with Polish classics like pierogi. The South Loop location posts daily hours and serves up a menu that reflects the city’s diverse food culture.
The pizza is crispy and flavorful, with a thin crust that holds up to generous toppings. The pierogi are a fun side option, adding a comforting, Eastern European touch to your meal.
It’s a neighborhood spot where you can enjoy two Chicago traditions on one plate. Flo & Santos proves that fusion doesn’t have to be fancy to be delicious.
15. Phil’s Pizza (Bridgeport) – pre-game classic near Sox Park
Located on 35th Street near Guaranteed Rate Field, Phil’s Pizza is a cash-friendly, thin-crust stalwart that’s been feeding Sox fans for years. The Bridgeport location keeps active hours and a menu that sticks to what works.
The pizza is classic tavern-style: ultra-thin, party-cut, and loaded with flavor. It’s the perfect pre-game or post-game meal, whether you’re heading to the ballpark or just exploring the neighborhood.
Phil’s is no-frills in the best way, focusing on quality pizza and friendly service. Grab some cash, order a pie, and enjoy a slice of South Side tradition before the first pitch.
16. Professor Pizza (Old Town) – chef-driven tavern cuts
Professor Pizza brings a chef-driven approach to tavern-style pizza in Old Town, offering multiple styles alongside their signature square-cut pies. The brick-and-mortar location takes reservations, making it easy to plan a visit.
The tavern-style here feels elevated without losing its roots, with creative toppings and a crust that’s perfectly crispy. It’s a spot where tradition meets innovation, and both sides win.
Whether you’re a tavern-style purist or open to experimentation, Professor Pizza delivers quality and flavor. The Old Town setting adds a lively, urban vibe that makes every meal feel like an occasion worth celebrating.
17. Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna (River North) – new-school tavern style
Boka Restaurant Group opened Zarella in 2025, bringing a new-school approach to Chicago tavern-style pizza in River North. The menu features both tavern-style and artisan thin crust, with posted hours and a polished, contemporary atmosphere.
The pizza here respects tradition while embracing modern techniques and high-quality ingredients. The crust is thin and crispy, the toppings are thoughtfully sourced, and the presentation is Instagram-ready.
Zarella proves that tavern-style pizza can evolve without losing its soul. It’s a fresh take on a Chicago classic, perfect for those who want tradition with a twist and a side of downtown energy.
