Chicago's 10 Best Pizzerias
Pizza is one of the most perfect foods ever created. It's been said that even bad pizza is good pizza. While that may be true, why settle for a mediocre slice when you can get the best the Second City has to offer?
Of course, you can't talk about pizza in Chicago without going straight to deep dish. Whatever other, inferior pizza cities might say, deep dish pizza is a delicious, gooey, hearty delight, and restaurants in Chicago take it seriously. If you aren't craving the signature pie, however, you'll find that other styles are just as well-represented. Take a look at our top Chicago picks.
1. Pequod's
At the top of the list is Pequod's. This popular pizza spot is a favorite thanks to its signature charred crust. Crispy burnt cheese adds a perfect crunch to the heaping dish of mozzarella, sauce, and toppings. Their weekday lunch deal is a particularly good one: $4.95 for a 7-inch, one-topping deep dish and a soda or Bud Light.
2. Boiler Room
Boiler Room in Logan Square is a favorite in the neighborhood. With quirky L train-themed décor and cult classics playing behind the bar, the atmosphere is always lively. Start your night off right with their PB&J special: a slice of their pizza (their self-named Boiler Room slice is highly recommended), a PBR, and a shot of Jameson. Don't forget to top off the meal with some of their boozy soft serve!
Coalfire Pizza in West Town is another restaurant that focuses on Neapolitan pizza. With heavenly toppings like whipped ricotta and fennel sausage, their slightly charred and crispy pies never last long once they hit the table. Luckily they also come out quickly; it takes less than 2 minutes in their coal oven to cook each pie to perfection.
Spacca Napoli in Lincoln Square is a darling among food critics and locals alike. Their Neapolitan style pies are carefully curated to bring the best flavors to the diners, and they take pride in bringing an authentic pizza experience.
Spacca Napoli (credit: Facebook/Spacca Napoli)
Lou Malnati's is a go-to for many Chicagoans when it comes to deep dish. Their rich butter crust is incredibly satisfying. If you're gluten-free, their all-meat crust will make sure you aren't left out of the pizza enjoyment. Lou's also delivers nationwide, so genuine Chicago style pizza can be had anywhere.
6. Piece
Beer and pizza go hand in hand, and Piece delivers crafty versions of both at their pizzeria and brewery. Pair one of their beers with their delicious and interesting pizza combinations while enjoying live band karaoke. Get there early: the place fills up quickly!
Roots really expands the scope of their toppings by collaborating with other Chicago restaurants. From a BBQ pizza made with sauces from Lillie's Q to an Antique Taco-inspired pie, Roots brings the community into every slice.
8. La Pizza
A newcomer to the scene, Eataly Chicago's La Pizza is serving up a slice of Italy in River North. Like the rest of the food mecca, they pay attention to making their product as authentic as possible. Diners can feel like they are spending an afternoon eating pizza in Naples with the strict adherence to traditional technique.
9. Dimo's
Late nights often end at both Wrigleyville and Wicker Park. With highly creative toppings like chicken and waffles or pierogi, slices are displayed and ready-to-order. Get adventurous with a slice or two and kick it up a notch with their Diablo sauce.
Dimo's (credit: Facebook/Dimo's)
10. Giordano's
Giordano's is a classic deep dish spot. Since first opening on the South side in 1974, their "stuffed pizzas" have developed a loyal following among Chicagoans who have grown up with the topping heavy pie.