Chicago means home for me. But for many, it’s also one of the greatest food meccas in the country. Greek food, Italian food, Polish food, you name it, Chicago has it. But the most classic, is pizza. And it’s truly the best pizza (looking at you New York).
Here’s a list of the best pizza places in Chicago, and a lot of them are under the radar, which tbh, is the best kind of pizza.
1. Lou Malnati’s
I know I said this would be off the beaten path, but Lou’s is a Chicago institution. It’s always what I ask for when I’m home from school. My mom even sends me frozen Lou’s so I can indulge while I’m away.
You can also make your own deep dish pizza with this recipe, but trust me, It’s not going to be as good as Lou’s.
2. Pequod’s
Pequod’s is probably the most unknown deep dish in the city, but it’s hard to compete with Lou Malnati’s. There’s really nothing to complain about when there’s a thick layer of cheese crust on the top of the deep dish.
3. Piece
If I didn’t give a shoutout to my dad for introducing me to this place, he would probably call me as a reminder that he took me here first, so thanks Dad. Piece is classic New Haven style pizza in the heart of Wicker Park.
4. Stella Barra
It may have started in California, but Stella Barra has quickly become a must visit location for pizza in Chicago. They’re dedicated to fresh, organic ingredients, and the proof is in the pizza.
5. Vito and Nick’s
Guy Fieri trekked all the way to the South Side for this classic square shaped Chicago thin crust. Deep dish gets most of the credit when it comes to representing Chicago pizza. But what a lot of people don’t know, is that square shaped thin crust is just as much of a staple to the region (similar to Detroit-style). Vito and Nick’s does it better than anyone though, and certainly deserves to be up there in the Chicago pizza hall of fame.
6. Pizano’s
If it’s Oprah’s favorite, you should probably head to this Chicago institution. They have six locations, but if you can’t make the trip to the Midwest, they also ship all of their pizzas from coast to coast.
7. Pat’s Pizza
Another institution that represents square thin crust, Pat’s is probably the most under the radar pizza place on this list. They go classic with four cheese pizza, but they also switch it up with taco pizza. There’s something for everyone, and you’ll definitely enjoy it.
8. Siena Tavern
It’s not solely a pizzeria, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some people have never even looked at the other parts of the menu at Siena Tavern other than the pizza section. And there is truly nothing better than breakfast pizza, which is one of Siena Tavern’s most popular brunch items.
9. Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co.
This pizza pot pie gained popularity from none other than Facebook videos, but it’s really worth the trip. It’s almost like an upside-down, backwards, crazy pizza, that can only be fully explained by taking a bite.
10. Spacca Napoli
At Spacca Napoli, they go far beyond just a simple pizza. It’s a family business dedicated to crafting the best Neapolitan style pizza, outside of Naples. The place is just oozing with Italian flavor, style, and ingredients.
No matter where you eat pizza in Chicago, you’re guaranteed to enjoy it. But it’s almost a rite of passage that you must try a deep dish while you’re there. If you didn’t have deep dish, did you even go to Chicago?