Everyone knows that Chicago is famous for its pizza. (Well, that and Rod Blagojevich.)
Its signature style—deep dish, buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and robust amounts of cheese and ingredients—is sought out by visitors and locals alike at Chicago’s Holy Trinity of pizza joints: Pizzeria Uno, Gino’s East, and Lou Malnati’s. Pizza lovers also flock to Giordano’s, famous for stuffed pizza, a twist on the original Chicago deep dish.
But if you ask me, the best pizza in the Windy City is not produced at any of these famed pie shops. At the risk of being run out of town, I challenge you to come to Chicago for pizza—but stray from the typical tourist traps.
Here are my picks for the best pizza in Chicago:
As their website proclaims, “Piece unites New Haven-style thin crust pizza with award-winning microbrews in a spacious loft setting.” It’s a Build-Your-Own kind of place and there are red, white, and plain styles to choose from, along with a whole host of topping options.
In 2006, Piece won the World Beer Cup Champion Small Brewpub Award. That same year, Piece’s brewer Jonathan Cutler won the Brewmaster Award. Cutler has won twelve awards in all since Piece opened. This may explain why the cast of Real World Chicago spent so much time there.
It’s loud, not fancy, and simply the best place in Chicago to get thin crust pizza and a pint of microbrew.
La Madia is a more trendy and gourmet option. They offer their own signature creations—Taleggio and 3-Hour Roasted Grapes, House-made Fennel Sausage and Sweet Onion, Shaved Artichoke with Parmesan—alongside classics with an added boost of flavor (like the Triple Pepperoni with White Truffle Oil, which is out of this world).
In addition to pizza, La Madia’s menu includes salads, pastas, desserts, and an incredible wine list with more than 75 offerings by the glass and hundreds of bottles.
If you couldn’t tell from the name, this is true Italian-style pizza—specifically, Neopolitan style. As described on their website, “Spacca Napoli Pizzeria was inspired by the authentic aroma, taste, and craft of pizza found on the streets and in the pizzerias in Naples. In fact, the food, wine, and service at Spacca Napoli are all designed to reflect southern Italy’s proud traditions and gracious hospitality.”
Now, if you’re used to Americanized pizza, this will be a little different—some of the choices are topped with cold or uncooked ingredients, like prosciutto and arugula, but they are delicious. To experience a little bit of Italy right here in Chicago, this is the place to go.
Pizano’s was my first favorite pizza when I moved to Chicago—and now, four years later, the buttery and flaky, yet crispy, crust keeps me coming back.
Pizano’s is actually part of the Chicago pizza legacy family, the Malnatis. Rudy Malnati Sr. featured deep dish pizza at Pizzeria Uno when he opened it in 1943. Rudy Malnati Jr. then opened Pizano’s in 1991. But in my humble opinion, Pizano’s is the best of all the Chicago deep dish shops.
For authentic Chicago pizza, try Pizano’s. You won’t regret it. Plus, as a bonus, you’ll likely face a much shorter wait than you would at some of the other famed pizza joints since Pizano’s is not as well known.
Fair warning: I have not been here yet. But after rave coverage in the Chicago Tribune and New York Times, among many others, I’m dying to go.
It’s a tiny shop tucked away in a northern Chicago neighborhood and is rumored to have the best pizza in America. Who wants to come with me?!
So, there you have it. Everyone has their favorites. You may disagree with my picks; if so, take to the comments! What are your top choices for Chicago pizza?
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Article Comments
Jared says:
La Madia is quickly becoming my favorite pizza spot in the city. So many great pizzas, and definitely a step up from your typical pizza experience.
June 1st, 2010 at 12:26 pm ::
Eric says:
From my friend, who happens to live in Chicago: “Definitely agree that the mainstream famous spots are overrated. I don’t happen to like Spacca Napoli, but everyone else does … I haven’t been to Great Lakes, but I really want to. They have 2-4 hour waits, so I think a teacher friend of mine and I are going to try to go at a random time some summer weekday afternoon.”
June 1st, 2010 at 1:36 pm ::
Katie says:
Yeah, I’ve heard the waits are brutal but I’m willing to brave it. Would love to hear what your friend thinks if they’re able to get in soon!
June 1st, 2010 at 11:41 pm ::
Andrea says:
As a person who loves food so much she often plans her schedule around wjere she wants to eat, I wholeheartedly endorse this post. I had been coming to Chicago for many years before Katie moved there, and sadly, was guilty of frequenting only the touristy pizza joints. Now, having visited Pizano’s and La Madia with Katie, I can only say THANK HEAVENS for the discoveries of my food-loving friend, and of course for white truffle oil. My life will never be the same.
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:59 am ::
Richard says:
Mmmmmm: pizza. It’s almost my favorite subject ever.
I agree that La Madia is a must-try. Besides the Triple Pepperoni, I also love the Abalone Mushroom pizza. It also has white truffle oil. Thing is, I’m not really a fungi guy, so the fact I enjoyed this so much surprised me.
I’m also partial to the stuffed spinach pizza at Giordano’s. It’s definitely on the heavier side, though.
One place you missed is Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. It’s in Lincoln Park, across the street from where the Valentine’s Day Massacre happened in those sad days when you couldn’t order a pint with your pie. This place features “pizza pot pies” in two main varieties: veggie and meat. (I go for the meat.) You can also choose a half pound version or full pound one, and also your type of crust (white or wheat). I always go for the meat, wheat, half-pound pie–it’s always enough. They bring the pie to your table, take it out of its pan, and flip it upside down onto your plate. The cheese is then on top, and the crust on bottom. The salad and bread here is also good to munch on while you’re waiting for your pizza. Two notes of caution: they only take cash, and their lines can sometimes be foreboding (but they do move quickly).
Can’t wait to try Great Lakes. The Chicago Tribune piece on it is probably the best piece of journalism prose I’ve ever read.
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:19 am ::
Nicole says:
I have been singing the praises of La Madia’s white truffle oil for weeks now (despite disgruntled looks from southern Virginia residents whose sole gourmet pizza experience is a Dominos pizza topped with spinach). When you visit Chicago, try it, try it, try it!
June 2nd, 2010 at 9:15 am ::
Katie says:
Richard–you’re right, Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder is awesome. I actually thought about including that one but then opted to include just straight-up pizza as opposed to the pizza pot pies. But that does not mean they aren’t delicious. Time to take a trip back there.
Andrea & Nicole–so glad you loved La Madia and the truffle oil. You’ll just have to come back soon so we can go again!
June 2nd, 2010 at 11:08 pm ::
Bill says:
While I haven’t been to all of these, I think Pizano’s has the best thin crust I’ve ever had. For the life of me, I can’t understand the fascination with Giordano’s. Substandard fare: over rated and overcrowded.
June 3rd, 2010 at 7:14 pm ::
Iva says:
I’m hungry for pizza!
June 9th, 2010 at 4:28 pm ::
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