When you're craving authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza, you can't go wrong with these three legendary spots. The Original Pizzeria Uno, founded in 1943, invented the iconic style and still serves up that same mouth-watering recipe at their historic River North location. Lou Malnati's, established in 1971 by a former Uno's pizza maker, offers their famously buttery crust at 78 locations. Gino's East rounds out the trifecta with their golden-brown masterpieces, complete with Wisconsin cheese and Chicago-made sausage, plus they've got a sweet rooftop terrace. Each spot tells its own delicious chapter in Chicago's deep-dish story.
Key Takeaways
- Pizzeria Uno at 29 E. Ohio St. offers the original Chicago deep-dish recipe since 1943, making it a must-visit historical landmark.
- Lou Malnati's stands out with 78 locations, maintaining exceptional deep-dish quality and featuring unique family recipes from pizza-making veterans.
- Gino's East near Magnificent Mile delivers distinctive golden-brown buttery crust and offers modern amenities like rooftop dining.
- Each pizzeria serves authentic deep-dish with thick crusts, generous cheese, and fresh ingredients made daily from scratch.
- These establishments attract global visitors and represent Chicago's culinary heritage through their unique deep-dish interpretations.
The Original Pizzeria Uno
When it comes to Chicago deep dish pizza, you can't get more authentic than The Original Pizzeria Uno. This iconic spot, founded by Ike Sewell in 1943, literally invented the deep-dish style that's now synonymous with Chicago's culinary identity. Located at the corner of Ohio and Wabash, this historic restaurant continues to draw pizza lovers from around the world. You'll find this piece of pizza history at its original location, 29 E. Ohio St. in the bustling River North district.
What's incredible is that they're still making their signature deep-dish pizza dough fresh every morning, just like they did back in the day. The restaurant's success was so tremendous that Sewell opened a second location, Pizzeria Due, just a block away in 1955. Since then, they've grown from a single Chicago pizzeria into a global phenomenon with over 140 locations worldwide – you can even grab their famous pies in places like South Korea and Honduras! While they've expanded their menu and even changed their name to Uno Chicago Grill in 2005, don't worry – the original location still serves up that same authentic, deep-dish goodness that made them famous nearly 80 years ago.
Lou Malnati's Legacy
A pizza legend was born in 1971 when Lou Malnati and his wife Jean opened their first deep-dish pizzeria in Lincolnwood. Lou's father initially had doubts about suburban expansion plans. But Lou's pizza story actually began way before that – he'd been crafting the perfect pie since the 1940s, working at Chicago's very first deep dish pizzeria. You could say pizza sauce ran through his veins!
If you're looking for authentic Chicago deep dish with some serious history behind it, you can't go wrong with Lou Malnati's. After learning the ropes at Uno's and managing Due, Lou took his pizza-making expertise and created something truly special. Today, you'll find his legacy living on in 78 locations across Chicago and Arizona, but don't let that number fool you – each pie is still made with the same attention to detail that Lou insisted on back in '71.
Beyond their famous deep dish pizzas, you'll find plenty to love on their menu, from hearty pasta dishes to mouthwatering sandwiches. But let's be real – you're here for that legendary deep dish, and Lou's delivers every single time, standing proudly alongside Chicago pizza giants like Giordano's and Pizano's.
Gino's East Experience
Since 1966, Gino's East has been serving up one of Chicago's most distinctive deep dish experiences from its original Superior Street location near the Magnificent Mile. Their traditional recipes and techniques have remained consistent over decades, staying true to their roots. You'll find their signature golden-brown, buttery crust filled with Wisconsin cheese and topped with tangy sauce made from California tomatoes – it's a combination that's kept pizza lovers coming back for generations.
What sets Gino's East apart isn't just their commitment to quality ingredients – like their GMO-free dough made fresh daily and Chicago-made sausage – it's their willingness to evolve while maintaining tradition. They're actually the first major Chicago deep dish spot to embrace vegan cheese options, proving you can teach an old dog new tricks! Whether you're craving a classic deep dish (available in sizes serving 4 to 8 slices) or prefer their thin crust alternatives, you'll find what you're looking for at their various locations, including River North and Wheaton. Don't miss their Comedy Bar's weekly shows, or better yet, grab a spot on their third-floor rooftop terrace when the weather's nice. With catering services and event spaces available, Gino's East isn't just a pizzeria – it's a Chicago institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Average Wait Time for a Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza?
You'll need to be patient, as Chicago deep-dish pizzas typically take 30-45 minutes to prepare and bake. It's a labor-intensive process that includes hand-tossing dough and careful layering of ingredients.
Can You Order Chicago Deep-Dish Pizzas for Nationwide Delivery?
Yes, you can order deep-dish pizzas nationwide through services like Goldbelly and Tastes of Chicago. Whether you're craving Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, or Pequod's, they'll ship frozen pizzas right to your door.
Which Deep-Dish Pizzeria Is Closest to Major Chicago Tourist Attractions?
You'll find Pizzeria Uno most conveniently located near major attractions. It's right by Willis Tower, within walking distance to Millennium Park, close to the Riverwalk, and easily accessible from Navy Pier.
Do Chicago Deep-Dish Restaurants Offer Gluten-Free or Vegetarian Options?
With 100% of voters rating Happy Camper Pizza as celiac-friendly, you'll find plenty of options. You can enjoy gluten-free pizzas at Chicago's Pizza, Lou Malnati's, and Giordano's, plus vegetarian choices at Pequod's and Pizano's.
What's the Best Time of Year to Visit Chicago's Famous Pizzerias?
You'll find the best experience visiting Chicago pizzerias during winter (November-April) when there are shorter wait times, better deals, and you can warm up inside while enjoying your pizza without the summer crowds.
