Top 10 Best Deep Dish Pizza Places in Chicago

This West Loop Giordano's location on Van Buren catches overflow from the United Center during Bulls and Blackhawks games, making it a solid choice if you're catching a game or exploring the increasingly hip West Loop neighborhood. The smaller review count suggests it's less discovered by tourists, which often means shorter waits and more attentive service. The pizza is classic Giordano's quality—that signature stuffed style with cheese pulled tight between two crusts—and the location makes it perfect for groups heading to or from events at the UC; just call ahead if there's a home game, as it gets packed two hours before tip-off.

The Giordano's on Rush Street sits in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, making it the most convenient option for Michigan Avenue shoppers and River North hotel guests who want authentic Chicago pizza without straying far. Despite its tourist-heavy location, the quality remains consistently high, and the sprawling multi-level space means you can usually get seated faster than the smaller downtown locations. Order their Famous Stuffed Deep Dish with sausage and peppers, and don't skip the appetizers—their fried mozzarella triangles are dangerously addictive and pair perfectly with a pre-pizza cocktail from the full bar.

This Giordano's location in the Loop on Jackson Boulevard serves the same legendary stuffed pizza as its siblings but benefits from its proximity to the financial district and Willis Tower. The lunch crowd here is a mix of suited professionals and tourists taking a break from the Skydeck, and the service is noticeably faster than the more tourist-heavy locations. Their Classic Chicago Stuffed Pizza with spinach is the move here—the greens cut through the richness beautifully—and the space is more polished and corporate-friendly than the casual Randolph Street location, making it ideal for business lunches or pre-theater dinners.

Milly's Pizza In The Pan has taken West Town by storm with a modern, creative approach to deep dish that respects tradition while pushing boundaries. Their crispy, pan-fried edges and inventive topping combinations (think hot honey pepperoni or vodka sauce pies) have earned them a cult following and a 4.8 rating from nearly 1,000 reviews. The industrial-chic space with its open kitchen lets you watch the magic happen, and the younger, hipper crowd appreciates both the Instagram-worthy presentations and the seriously delicious pizzas; this is where Chicago's deep dish scene is headed, and it's glorious.

Ricobene's is technically famous for its breaded steak sandwich, but locals know their deep dish pizza is criminally underrated and comes at budget-friendly prices in the Bridgeport neighborhood. This South Side institution has been family-owned since 1946, and their pizza features a lighter, airier crust than most competitors with a well-balanced sauce that doesn't overwhelm. The no-frills atmosphere and rock-bottom prices make it perfect for families and anyone who wants authentic Chicago pizza without the tourist markup; grab a pizza and a breaded steak sandwich and understand why generations of Chicagoans have made this their go-to spot.

Lou Malnati's is Chicago royalty, founded by one of the pioneers of deep dish pizza itself, and their River North location on Wells Street delivers the classic Chicago experience with legendary consistency. The Malnati Chicago Classic features their signature buttery crust, vine-ripened tomato sauce, Wisconsin mozzarella, and their exclusive sausage blend—it's the pie that's converted countless thin-crust devotees. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between family-friendly and sophisticated enough for business dinners, and their salad dressings (especially the sweet vinaigrette) are so beloved they sell them by the bottle.

George's Deep Dish is Andersonville's best-kept secret, a neighborhood spot that's been quietly perfecting its craft without the hype or lines of the big-name chains. The pizzas here feature a perfectly flaky, buttery crust that tastes almost croissant-like, and the sauce is tangier and more herb-forward than most competitors. With fewer than 400 reviews but a sterling 4.7 rating, this is where locals go when they want quality without the wait; the intimate space is ideal for date nights or small groups who prioritize taste over Instagram clout.

Pequod's is the local's secret weapon—a Lincoln Park gem that pioneered the caramelized cheese crust that crisps up against the pan's edge, creating a crunchy, buttery crown around the entire pie. The atmosphere is decidedly dive-bar casual with wooden booths and a laid-back vibe that feels miles away from the tourist traps downtown. Order the pan pizza (their term for deep dish) with sausage and watch as the cheese bubbles and browns into something approaching pizza perfection; this is where Chicago natives bring out-of-town guests when they want to show off without the downtown crowds.

Giordano's Downtown Randolph location is ground zero for the chain's famous stuffed deep dish, which technically isn't the same as traditional deep dish—it's a double-crusted pie with cheese and toppings sandwiched between two layers of dough, then topped with chunky tomato sauce. The Special Stuffed Pizza is loaded with spinach, mushrooms, and Italian sausage, and it's been winning converts since 1974. This location gets packed with Loop workers at lunch and theater-goers before shows, so expect a wait during prime times, but the efficient service and consistently excellent pies make it worth it.

Gino's East has been a River North institution since 1966, and its signature cornmeal crust sets it apart from the competition with a slightly sweeter, crunchier base that holds up beautifully under the weight of cheese and sauce. The walls are famously covered in decades of graffiti—grab a marker and leave your mark alongside thousands of visitors. Order the Chicago Classic Deep Dish and pair it with a cold beer from their full bar; the casual, boisterous atmosphere makes it perfect for groups and tourists looking for the quintessential Chicago experience.