MomSkoop
Chicago stands tall as one of America’s pizza capitals, offering everything from legendary deep dish to artisanal thin crust pies. The Windy City’s pizza scene spans diverse neighborhoods, each adding their own special touch to this beloved food. Whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or just visiting, these 13 pizzerias represent the best slices the city has to offer.
1. Pequod’s Pizza: Deep Dish Perfection in Lincoln Park
The caramelized crust at Pequod’s isn’t just a signature touch—it’s a revelation that transforms Chicago deep dish into something transcendent. Founded in 1970, this Lincoln Park institution draws lines around the block for good reason. Inside the cozy, dimly-lit space, servers deliver cast-iron pans filled with bubbling cheese and that legendary blackened crust. The pepperoni deep dish particularly shines with its perfect balance of tangy sauce and generous toppings. Pro tip: Skip the weekend crowds by visiting on weekday afternoons, or call ahead for takeout—the pizzas reheat beautifully the next day.
2. Lou Malnati’s: The Classic Chicago Experience in River North
Family recipes dating back to the 1940s form the backbone of Lou Malnati’s legendary pies. Their butter crust—flaky, crisp, and distinctly different from competitors—supports the weight of chunky tomato sauce and Wisconsin cheese with surprising grace. The Malnati Chicago Classic with sausage creates a perfect harmony of flavors that’s converted countless thin-crust devotees. Each bite delivers that quintessential Chicago experience that’s been perfected across generations. With multiple locations throughout the city, the River North spot offers the most authentic vibe, combining old-school Chicago charm with consistently excellent execution.
3. Spacca Napoli: Neapolitan Excellence in Ravenswood
Owner Jonathan Goldsmith studied pizza-making in Naples before opening this temple to authentic Neapolitan pies in 2006. The wood-fired oven, imported directly from Italy, reaches a blistering 900 degrees to create the perfect leopard-spotted crust in just 90 seconds. Each pizza arrives with that magical combination of crispy exterior and pillowy interior that defines true Neapolitan style. The Diavola balances spicy salami with sweet San Marzano tomatoes in perfect harmony. The sunny patio transports you straight to southern Italy, making this Ravenswood gem worth the trip from any Chicago neighborhood, especially during summer months.
4. Piece Brewery and Pizzeria: New Haven Style in Wicker Park
Rock music pulses through this lively Wicker Park brewpub where New Haven-style pizza reigns supreme. Unlike typical Chicago offerings, these thin-crust beauties come with minimal sauce and irregular shapes that somehow make each bite more satisfying. The red pie with mashed potatoes and bacon has developed cult status among locals. Pair it with one of their award-winning house-brewed beers for the full experience that’s earned them a devoted following since 2001. Weekend nights transform the space into a pizza party complete with karaoke, making Piece both a destination for serious pizza enthusiasts and fun-seekers alike.
5. Coalfire: Coal-Oven Innovation in West Town
‘Blistered and blackened’ could be the motto at this West Town pioneer, where Chicago’s first coal oven reaches temperatures that traditional pizza ovens can only dream about. The intense heat creates a paradoxical crust: charred and crispy outside, light and airy inside. Their whipped ricotta with honey side dish has become almost as famous as the pizzas themselves. The Lasagna Pizza, layering ricotta, meatballs, and pasta sheets, brilliantly combines two Italian classics into one unforgettable dish. Though expanded to multiple locations, the original Grand Avenue spot maintains its industrial-chic charm and neighborhood feel despite national recognition.
6. Pizzeria Bebu: Artisanal Excellence in Lincoln Park
Mathematical precision meets culinary artistry at this minimalist Lincoln Park haven where every ingredient serves a purpose. The crust—a marvel of engineering—achieves the golden ratio of crispness to chew that pizza perfectionists dream about. Chef Jeff Lutzow’s background in fine dining shines through in unexpected combinations like the ‘Ode to Rubirosa’ with vodka sauce and creamy burrata. Each 14-inch pie emerges from the electric deck oven with textbook leoparding and perfect consistency. Despite its upscale approach, Bebu maintains a refreshingly unpretentious atmosphere where the focus remains squarely on what matters: creating Chicago’s most thoughtfully crafted pizzas.
7. Paulie Gee’s Logan Square: Brooklyn Roots with Chicago Spirit
Brooklyn transplant Paulie Gee brought his wood-fired wizardry to Logan Square in 2014, quickly becoming a neighborhood institution. The cavernous former auto garage now houses a massive Stefano Ferrara oven that turns out Neapolitan-inspired pies with distinctly American creativity. The ‘Hellboy’ combines spicy sopressata with a drizzle of hot honey that creates an addictive sweet-heat balance. A separate counter serves Detroit-style ‘Logan Squares’—thick, cheese-edged rectangles that have developed their own following. Vintage arcade games and excellent cocktails complete the experience at this hipster haven where pizza traditions merge with boundary-pushing innovation.
8. Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company: Riverfront Gems in Streeterville
Self-taught pizza savant Robert Garvey spent years perfecting his ‘Bubbly, Caramelized, Artisan’ crust before opening this waterfront gem. The dough undergoes a 48-hour cold fermentation that develops complex flavors impossible to achieve through shortcuts. Seasonal specialties showcase market-fresh ingredients, while standbys like the Duck Prosciutto with date puree demonstrate Garvey’s gift for balanced flavor combinations. The Streeterville location offers stunning river views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Their weekend brunch pizzas—topped with ingredients like eggs and maple-glazed bacon—have turned morning pizza into a legitimate Chicago tradition worth setting an alarm for.
9. Vito & Nick’s: South Side Institution Since 1946
Nothing has changed at this Ashburn landmark since 1946—and that’s precisely the point. The thin, tavern-style pizza cut into squares represents Chicago’s true native style before deep dish captured the spotlight. Crisp enough to hold without flopping yet substantial enough to support generous toppings, their sausage pizza sets the gold standard. The cash-only, no-delivery policy hasn’t deterred generations of loyal customers from making the pilgrimage to this South Side institution. The wood-paneled walls and vintage beer signs tell stories of Chicago’s past while families gather around the same recipes that have satisfied the city for over 75 years.
10. Giordano’s: Stuffed Pizza Pioneers in The Loop
Brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio brought their mother’s recipe from Turin, Italy to Chicago in 1974, creating what would become the city’s iconic stuffed pizza. Unlike regular deep dish, this double-crusted creation sandwiches massive amounts of cheese between two layers of dough. The flagship location near Millennium Park serves as a pizza pilgrimage site for tourists and locals alike. Their spinach stuffed pizza—a mountain of molten mozzarella, sautéed spinach, and tangy sauce—remains the gold standard even after decades. Fair warning: these two-inch-tall behemoths require patience (expect 45 minutes) and strategy (order when you sit down, not when you’re already hungry).
11. Pat’s Pizza and Ristorante: Neighborhood Favorite in Lincoln Park
Since 1950, this family-owned treasure has been serving what many locals consider Chicago’s perfect tavern-style thin crust. The dough—crisp yet tender—supports a generous layer of tangy sauce and high-quality toppings without ever becoming soggy. Fourth-generation owner Nick Pianetto Jr. still uses the original recipes passed down through his family. The sausage and green pepper combination showcases their perfectly seasoned housemade Italian sausage that’s become legendary among North Side pizza aficionados. The unpretentious dining room feels like stepping into a time capsule where quality and tradition matter more than trends or Instagram opportunities.
12. Coda di Volpe: Neapolitan Authenticity in Lakeview
Certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, this Lakeview gem creates pizza so authentic you’ll swear you’ve been transported to Naples. The imported wood-burning oven reaches 900°F, creating the signature leopard-spotted crust in just 90 seconds. Executive Chef Chris Thompson sources premium ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte mozzarella to honor Neapolitan traditions. The Diavola balances spicy Calabrian chili with honey for a sweet-heat combination that elevates the classic. The sophisticated yet comfortable space features an impressive Italian wine list, making it perfect for date nights when you want exceptional pizza without the casual pizzeria atmosphere.
13. My Pi Pizza: Deep Dish Pioneer in Bucktown
Before deep dish became a tourist attraction, there was My Pi—quietly perfecting the form since 1971. Owner Rich Aronson developed a unique cornmeal crust that provides a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch distinct from other Chicago heavyweights. The sauce—chunky, bright, and made from California tomatoes—balances perfectly with Wisconsin brick cheese. Unlike competitors who pile on toppings for show, My Pi focuses on quality and balance in each carefully constructed pie. After closing briefly, the reopened Bucktown location maintains the original recipes while adding modern touches, preserving a crucial piece of Chicago pizza heritage that predates many of the city’s famous chains.