Quick answer
Chicago is America's most important pizza city — the birthplace of deep dish, the home of tavern-style thin crust, and an increasingly diverse scene spanning coal-fired, New Haven-style, stuffed, and pan pizza. This guide covers 10 of the best pizza spots across the city, with prices ranging from $12 to $30 per pizza.
- Best overall
- Lou Malnati's Pizzeria — the gold standard of Chicago deep dish since 1971
- Price range
- $12 – $30 per pizza
- Top pick
- Lou Malnati's Pizzeria — $$ — 4.5★ (7,833 reviews)
- Must-try
- Classic deep dish with buttery crust, plus tavern-style thin crust cut in squares
Top verdicts
- Lou Malnati's: The gold standard of Chicago deep dish — buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, since 1971.
- Pequod's Pizza: The Reddit favorite with its legendary caramelized cheese crust. Featured on The Bear.
- Vito & Nick's: The definitive tavern-style thin crust — what Chicagoans actually eat every day.
Chicago isn't just a pizza city — it's THE pizza city that gave America two of its most iconic regional styles. Deep dish, invented at Pizzeria Uno in 1943, turned pizza on its head with its tall, buttery crust and inverted layering. Tavern-style thin crust, born in South Side taverns in the 1940s, gave the city its everyday pizza — cracker-thin, square-cut, and designed to be eaten with a beer.
But Chicago's pizza scene goes far beyond its two signature styles. You'll find coal-fired pies with blistered, charred crusts at Coalfire, New Haven-style apizza with craft beer at Piece, stuffed pizza oozing with cheese at Giordano's, and world-ranked pan pizza at Milly's — which earned the #12 spot on the global best pizzas list. From the 1943 original at Pizzeria Uno to 2020s newcomers like Milly's Pizza in the Pan, this guide covers the full spectrum.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts across r/chicagofood, r/AskChicago, r/pizza, and r/chicago, cross-referencing with critic rankings from the Chicago Tribune, Eater Chicago, The Infatuation, Time Out, and Tasting Table to build this guide.
Pizza Map
How we built this list
We analyzed 200+ Reddit posts and 2,000+ comments across r/chicagofood, r/AskChicago, r/pizza, and r/chicago, cross-referencing with rankings from the Chicago Tribune, Eater Chicago, The Infatuation, Time Out, and Tasting Table. Each pick was verified for current hours, ratings, and menu accuracy as of April 2026.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Deep Dish | $$ | 4.5★ | River North |
| #2 | Pequod's Pizza | Deep Dish | $$ | 4.5★ | Lincoln Park |
| #3 | Vito & Nick's Pizzeria | Tavern-Style | $ | 4.5★ | Ashburn |
| #4 | Coalfire Pizza | Coal-Fired | $$ | 4.6★ | West Town |
| #5 | Pizzeria Uno | Deep Dish | $$ | 4.3★ | River North |
| #6 | The Art of Pizza | Deep Dish | $$ | 4.6★ | Lakeview |
| #7 | Milly's Pizza in the Pan | Pan Pizza | $$ | 4.8★ | Uptown |
| #8 | Piece Brewery & Pizzeria | New Haven-Style | $$ | 4.0★ | Wicker Park |
| #9 | Giordano's | Stuffed Pizza | $$ | 4.3★ | Near North Side |
| #10 | Candlelite Chicago | Tavern-Style | $ | 4.5★ | Rogers Park |
Quick Picks by Style
1Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Deep DishQuick comparison
- Best for
- The quintessential Chicago deep dish experience — what locals recommend to visitors
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 7,833 reviews · Deep Dish · Buttery crust · Multiple locations
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The Malnati Chicago Classic — deep dish with lean sausage, extra cheese, and vine-ripened tomato sauce on Lou's famous buttery crust
- Insider tip
- Skip the tourist-heavy Michigan Ave location. The River North spot at 439 N Wells has the same quality with better atmosphere and shorter waits.
🕐 Hours
2Pequod's Pizza
Deep DishQuick comparison
- Best for
- The caramelized cheese crust experience — the Reddit community's #1 deep dish pick
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 8,870 reviews · #1 on Yelp Best Pizzas · Featured on The Bear · Open until 2 AM
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Any pan pizza with the signature caramelized cheese crust. The sausage and pepperoni combo shows off the crust perfectly — dark, crispy edges with gooey cheese inside.
- Insider tip
- Go on a weeknight to avoid 60-90 minute weekend waits. They don't take reservations for parties under 10. The late-night hours (until 2 AM Mon-Sat) make it a great post-bar option.
🕐 Hours
3Vito & Nick's Pizzeria
Tavern-StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- The definitive Chicago tavern-style thin crust — the pizza locals actually eat every day
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1,349 reviews · Since 1949 · Featured on DDD · Budget-friendly
- Price / value
- $ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Sausage and green pepper thin crust — the cracker-crisp crust, tangy sauce, bubbly browned cheese, and spicy sausage are the gold standard of tavern-style
- Insider tip
- Cash only — bring bills. The South Side location is worth the trek. Dining in feels like traveling back in time to classic Chicago.
🕐 Hours
4Coalfire Pizza
Coal-FiredQuick comparison
- Best for
- Blistered, charred thin-crust pies from Chicago's original coal oven — the non-deep-dish pick
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1,263 reviews · Michelin Guide recognized · 800-degree coal oven · Two locations
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The coal-fired pepperoni with soft whipped ricotta peaks balancing the spicy pepperoni coins, or the classic Margherita to taste the char at its purest
- Insider tip
- The West Town location is the original and has the best vibe. They close Mondays and only open at 4 PM on weekdays — plan accordingly.
🕐 Hours
5Pizzeria Uno
Deep DishQuick comparison
- Best for
- The historic origin story — eating deep dish at the exact spot where it was invented in 1943
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 1,867 reviews · The original deep dish pizzeria · Historic landmark
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.3★
- What to order
- The original deep dish — the #1 Individual with sausage, mushroom, onion, and green pepper is the closest to the 1943 original recipe
- Insider tip
- Don't confuse the original location with the nationwide Uno chain. Only the original at 29 E Ohio St (and sister location Pizzeria Due around the corner) serve the authentic recipe. Expect waits on weekends.
🕐 Hours
6The Art of Pizza
Deep DishQuick comparison
- Best for
- The under-the-radar local favorite — voted #1 deep dish by the Chicago Tribune
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1,363 reviews · Chicago Tribune #1 · Sells by the slice · No-frills counter service
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The stuffed spinach deep dish — layers of spinach, cheese, and a top crust covered in sauce. Or grab a single deep dish slice for $5-8 if you want to try without committing to a full pie.
- Insider tip
- This is a casual counter-service spot in Lakeview, not a sit-down restaurant. Perfect for grabbing a slice between exploring the neighborhood. Call ahead for whole pies — they sell out.
🕐 Hours
7Milly's Pizza in the Pan
Pan PizzaQuick comparison
- Best for
- World-ranked pan pizza from Chicago's most exciting new pizzeria — the modern evolution
- Strengths
- 4.8★ from 204 reviews · #12 world's best pizza · Chicago Magazine #1 · The Infatuation best deep dish 2025
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.8★
- What to order
- The Untitled #1 — Milly's signature thick-crust pan pizza that earned the #12 world ranking. Whatever is on the rotating menu is worth ordering.
- Insider tip
- You MUST order online at least one day in advance. They make a limited number of pizzas each day and sell out fast — often within 45 minutes of orders opening. Check their website for ordering windows.
🕐 Hours
8Piece Brewery & Pizzeria
New Haven-StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- New Haven-style pizza with house-brewed craft beer in a lively Wicker Park brewpub
- Strengths
- 4.0★ from 3,947 reviews · Award-winning brewery · Wicker Park institution · Open daily
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.0★
- What to order
- Try a traditional New Haven "plain" pie (red sauce, olive oil, Parmesan, NO mozzarella) to experience the style properly. Then pair it with one of their house-brewed beers — Piece has won multiple Great American Beer Festival medals.
- Insider tip
- The white clam pizza is the signature. Come during happy hour on weekdays for the best deal — the space is huge so you rarely have to wait long, even on weekends.
🕐 Hours
9Giordano's
Stuffed PizzaQuick comparison
- Best for
- The stuffed pizza experience — two crusts, massive cheese, and dramatic presentation
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 3,399 reviews · Since 1974 · Multiple convenient locations · Iconic brand
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.3★
- What to order
- The Special — sausage, mushroom, green pepper, and onion stuffed between two crusts with a thick blanket of mozzarella. Allow 45 minutes for baking.
- Insider tip
- Giordano's is a chain but the quality is consistent. The Rush St location is the most iconic. Understand the difference: Giordano's is stuffed pizza (two crusts), not deep dish (one crust). Both are uniquely Chicago.
🕐 Hours
10Candlelite Chicago
Tavern-StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Classic North Side tavern-style pizza in an authentic neighborhood setting
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 444 reviews · 75+ years · Budget-friendly · Time Out recognized
- Price / value
- $ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Classic sausage thin crust — the cracker-crisp crust is cut into party squares with tangy sauce, generous cheese, and house-made sausage
- Insider tip
- The Rogers Park location is the original and has the best atmosphere. They also ship frozen pizzas nationwide via Goldbelly if you want to recreate the experience at home.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Chicago Pizza Crawl
Reservations
Most Chicago pizza spots are walk-in only. Pequod's doesn't take reservations for parties under 10 — expect long waits on weekends. Milly's requires advance online ordering (no walk-ins). For most other spots, just show up.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
Vito & Nick's is cash only — bring bills. Most other spots accept cards. Bring $30-40 in cash just in case when heading to old-school South Side spots.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
Pequod's on weekends can have 60-90 minute waits — go on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. Lou Malnati's is busiest during Friday/Saturday dinner; weekday lunch is more relaxed. Milly's sells out within 45 minutes of orders opening, so set a reminder.
Recommended Pizza Crawl Route
The Ultimate Chicago Route (full day): Start at Pizzeria Uno for the origin story, walk to Lou Malnati's on Wells St for the gold standard deep dish, take the L to Pequod's in Lincoln Park for the caramelized crust, then finish at Piece in Wicker Park for New Haven-style with a craft beer. Four distinct styles, one epic day.
Getting Around
Unlike Detroit, Chicago has excellent public transit. Most spots on this list are CTA-accessible by L train or bus. The River North cluster (Lou Malnati's, Pizzeria Uno) and Wicker Park (Piece, Coalfire) are walkable. Vito & Nick's on the South Side requires a longer trip — take the Orange Line and a bus, or use a rideshare. Budget 30-40 minutes from downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicago-style deep dish pizza?
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is baked in a deep, round, oiled pan with a tall, buttery crust that rises up the sides. The assembly is inverted compared to regular pizza: cheese goes directly on the dough, then toppings, and finally a thick layer of crushed tomato sauce on top. A typical deep dish takes 30-45 minutes to bake, resulting in a dense, hearty pie that's eaten with a knife and fork.
What's the best deep dish pizza in Chicago?
Based on Reddit consensus and local rankings, Lou Malnati's is the gold standard for classic deep dish with its legendary buttery crust. Pequod's is the Reddit favorite for its unique caramelized cheese crust. The Art of Pizza is the locals' sleeper pick, voted #1 deep dish by the Chicago Tribune. For stuffed pizza specifically, Giordano's is the go-to.
What is tavern-style pizza in Chicago?
Tavern-style is actually what most Chicagoans eat day-to-day — a thin, cracker-crisp crust cut into squares (not triangles), topped with a tangy tomato sauce and a blend of mozzarella. It originated in Chicago taverns in the 1940s-50s so patrons could eat pizza with one hand while holding a beer in the other. Vito & Nick's and Candlelite are considered the gold standard.
Should I try deep dish or tavern-style pizza in Chicago?
Try both. Deep dish is the iconic tourist experience and well worth it, but tavern-style thin crust cut into squares is what most Chicagoans actually eat regularly. If you only have time for one deep dish spot, go to Lou Malnati's or Pequod's. For tavern-style, Vito & Nick's on the South Side is the definitive choice.
Is Pequod's Pizza worth the wait?
Absolutely. Pequod's typically has a 45-90 minute wait on weekends, but the caramelized cheese crust is truly unique — a ring of mozzarella baked around the rim that creates a crispy, chewy, slightly burnt cheese crown. It topped Yelp's 100 Best Pizzas in America list and was featured on FX's The Bear. Go on a weekday for shorter waits.
Where was deep dish pizza invented?
Deep dish pizza was invented at Pizzeria Uno at 29 E Ohio St in 1943 by founders Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. The original location in River North is still open and still draws lines. While the Uno restaurant chain has expanded nationwide, only the original Chicago location (and its sister Pizzeria Due around the corner) serve the authentic recipe.
How much does pizza cost in Chicago?
Deep dish pizzas typically run $18-30 for a large pie. Tavern-style thin crust is more affordable at $14-22. Individual deep dish slices at places like The Art of Pizza cost $5-8. Coal-fired and specialty pies at Coalfire or Piece run $16-24. Budget-friendly tavern-style spots like Vito & Nick's and Candlelite offer full pies under $20.
Can I visit multiple pizza spots in one day in Chicago?
Yes — Chicago's pizza spots are spread across the city but many are CTA-accessible. A great pizza crawl: start at Pizzeria Uno (the birthplace) in River North, walk to Lou Malnati's for the classic deep dish, take the L to Pequod's for the caramelized crust, then head to Wicker Park for a New Haven-style pie at Piece. That covers 4 distinct styles in one day.
🎟️ Book Chicago Experiences
Tours and activities hand-picked for this guide — book with free cancellation
Experiences via Viator — free cancellation on most tours