Best Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago

Discover Chicago's legendary deep dish pizza at iconic pizzerias from Lou Malnati's to Pequod's, plus insider tips for the perfect slice.

ByFun Around Me Team

4 min read

Chicago deep dish pizza is more than food - it's a cultural icon that defines the Windy City's culinary identity. Invented in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno, this thick-crusted, cheese-laden, sauce-on-top masterpiece sparked decades of debate and devotion. Unlike thin-crust pizza, deep dish is baked in a round steel pan, creating a tall edge that holds layers of mozzarella, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. The result is a fork-and-knife meal that's more casserole than traditional pizza, requiring 30-45 minutes to bake and arriving at your table bubbling hot. While New Yorkers may scoff, Chicagoans take their deep dish seriously, with fierce loyalty to neighborhood favorites and ongoing debates about which pizzeria reigns supreme. Whether you prefer the buttery crust of Lou Malnati's or the caramelized edges of Pequod's, experiencing authentic Chicago deep dish is essential to understanding the city's food culture.

Key Takeaways

Deep dish takes 30-45 minutes to bake - order when you arrive, not when you're hungry
One deep dish pizza easily feeds 2-3 people - don't over-order
Sauce goes on top of cheese in authentic Chicago style
Most pizzerias offer both deep dish and thin crust (tavern style)
Expect to pay $20-35 for a medium deep dish pizza

Top Deep Dish Pizza Spots in Chicago

These legendary pizzerias represent the best of Chicago's deep dish tradition, each with unique styles and devoted followings.

1. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Place 1

100 Main Street, Chicago

Savor exceptional cuisine at this beloved Chicago establishment, where fresh ingredients and culinary creativity come together beautifully.

Highlights:

Open kitchen allowing chef interaction
Homemade pasta and breads
Takeout and delivery available
Award-winning chef with innovative seasonal menu
Craft cocktails using house-made ingredients

2. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Place 2

223 Broadway, Chicago

This acclaimed Chicago dining destination showcases innovative flavors and traditional techniques in every carefully crafted dish.

Highlights:

Farm-to-table ingredients sourced from local producers
Homemade pasta and breads
Tasting menu showcasing chef's creativity
Award-winning chef with innovative seasonal menu
Extensive wine list featuring rare vintages

3. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Place 3

346 Park Avenue, Chicago

Experience authentic Chicago flavors at this popular spot, known for its commitment to quality ingredients and memorable presentations.

Highlights:

Farm-to-table ingredients sourced from local producers
Locally roasted coffee and artisan teas
Happy hour with small plates
Award-winning chef with innovative seasonal menu
Outdoor patio seating with city views

4. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Place 4

469 Market Street, Chicago

Discover culinary excellence at this Chicago favorite, where passionate chefs create dishes that celebrate local and seasonal ingredients.

Highlights:

Tasting menu showcasing chef's creativity
Cozy intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions
Happy hour with small plates
Outdoor patio seating with city views
Extensive wine list featuring rare vintages

5. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Place 5

592 Washington Street, Chicago

This charming Chicago eatery has earned its reputation through consistently delicious food, warm hospitality, and attention to detail.

Highlights:

Cozy intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions
Craft cocktails using house-made ingredients
Gluten-free menu with dedicated preparation
Happy hour with small plates
Private dining room for groups

6. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Place 6

715 Elm Street, Chicago

Indulge in creative cuisine at this Chicago gem, where each dish tells a story of flavor, tradition, and culinary innovation.

Highlights:

Farm-to-table ingredients sourced from local producers
Takeout and delivery available
Award-winning chef with innovative seasonal menu
Chef's table experience available
Extensive wine list featuring rare vintages

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

Weekday lunch (11 AM-2 PM) offers shorter waits and lunch specials. Dinner requires reservations or expect 45-90 minute waits at popular spots. Avoid peak dinner hours (6-8 PM) on weekends.

Average Price

$20-35 for medium deep dish pizza (feeds 2-3 people). Add $3-5 per topping. Salads $8-12, appetizers $8-15. Budget $15-20 per person including drinks and tip.

Parking Tips

Most locations have limited or no parking. Use public transit (CTA trains and buses) when possible. Street parking is metered and challenging. Consider ride-share to avoid parking hassles. Suburban locations like Burt's Place have easier parking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deep dish has one thick crust with toppings and sauce layered inside. Stuffed pizza (like Giordano's) has two layers of crust with cheese and toppings sandwiched between, then sauce on top. Stuffed is taller and more pie-like, while deep dish is denser and more casserole-like.

Deep dish requires 30-45 minutes to bake due to its thickness. Order when you arrive, not when you're hungry. Most restaurants will give you an estimated time. Use the wait to enjoy appetizers and drinks. This is why reservations or calling ahead is smart.

One medium deep dish easily feeds 2-3 people - it's very filling. A large feeds 3-4. Don't over-order! You can always get more, but deep dish is heavy and rich. First-timers often order too much. Start with one pizza and add salad or appetizers.

Not really! Most Chicagoans eat thin-crust 'tavern style' pizza for regular meals and save deep dish for special occasions or when hosting visitors. Deep dish is rich and time-consuming. But they're still proud of it and have strong opinions about which place is best.

Classic choices include sausage (often in chunks, not crumbles), pepperoni, mushrooms, and green peppers. Lou Malnati's 'Lou' with spinach is legendary. Avoid too many toppings - they make it soggy. When in doubt, start with sausage or the house special.

Yes, but it's best eaten fresh at the restaurant. Deep dish doesn't travel as well as thin crust and can get soggy. If taking out, eat within 15-20 minutes. Some places like Lou Malnati's ship frozen pizzas nationwide with baking instructions.

It depends on your preference! Lou Malnati's has the best butter crust. Pequod's has caramelized edges. Giordano's stuffed pizza is lighter. Burt's Place is most authentic but hardest to get into. Try multiple places and decide for yourself - Chicagoans love debating this!

If you enjoy rich, cheesy, hearty food, yes! It's a unique Chicago experience. But it's not for everyone - it's heavy, takes time, and is very different from traditional pizza. Go with an open mind, don't over-order, and embrace the experience. It's more about the tradition than just the food.