16 Of The Best Pizzerias Across Chicago Neighborhoods Locals Swear By
Chicago is one of the undisputed pizza capitals of America, where locals take their pies as seriously as their sports teams.
From buttery deep-dish masterpieces to crispy thin-crust wonders, the Windy City has perfected every style imaginable.
Every neighborhood boasts its own legendary spots where generations of families have gathered to share slices and stories.
Ready to discover where Chicagoans really go when they crave authentic, mouthwatering pizza?
1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Lincoln Park, Chicago
Buttery, flaky crust meets rich tomato sauce in a combination that has made this Lincoln Park institution a Chicago legend since 1971.
Lou Malnati’s perfected the deep-dish formula with their signature butter crust that practically melts in your mouth.
Located at 1120 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, this iconic spot draws crowds from late morning through evening hours.
Their secret lies in using only the freshest mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, and sausage made from a family recipe passed down through generations.
First-timers should absolutely try the classic Chicago-style deep dish, where cheese sits directly on the crust and chunky tomato sauce crowns the top.
The cozy atmosphere makes you feel like part of the Malnati family, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying a serious pizza craving.
Locals know to call ahead because wait times can stretch during peak hours, but every minute is worth it.
2. Pequod’s Pizza – Lincoln Park, Chicago
Caramelized cheese edges create a crispy, golden crown that sets Pequod’s apart from every other pizzeria in the city.
This beloved spot at 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, has been serving their signature pan pizza since 1970.
What makes Pequod’s truly special is the way cheese deliberately spills over the edge and caramelizes against the hot pan, creating what regulars call the “crust of dreams.”
The dough rises high and fluffy, providing the perfect foundation for generous toppings and that famous cheese crown.
Order the pepperoni if you want to see why locals make pilgrimages here weekly, sometimes traveling from opposite ends of the city.
The dimly lit, cozy interior feels like a neighborhood secret, even though the reputation has spread far beyond Lincoln Park.
Patience pays off here because each pizza is made to order and baked to absolute perfection.
3. Giordano’s – Near North Side, Chicago
Stuffed pizza reaches its peak at this Near North Side destination where two layers of dough embrace mountains of cheese and toppings.
Giordano’s at 730 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611, has been perfecting their recipe since 1974, turning pizza into an unforgettable experience.
Unlike traditional deep-dish, stuffed pizza features a top crust that seals in all the gooey goodness before sauce cascades over the top.
One slice here could easily satisfy two people, though you might not want to share once you taste it.
The flaky pastry-like crust provides the perfect contrast to the creamy, stretchy mozzarella that seems to go on forever when you lift your slice.
Tourists flock here, but locals know this is the real deal, not just a Michigan Avenue attraction.
Pro tip: allow plenty of time for your pizza to bake, as stuffed pies often take up to 45 minutes during busy hours.
4. Gino’s East – River North, Chicago
Cornmeal crust and a riotous atmosphere make Gino’s East a Chicago institution where signing the walls is practically mandatory.
Located at 162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, this River North landmark has been serving deep-dish excellence since 1966.
The golden, slightly sweet cornmeal crust provides a unique texture that crumbles delightfully with each bite.
Graffiti covers every available surface inside, creating a living museum of visitors who’ve made their mark over the decades.
Their sausage pizza showcases chunky, well-seasoned meat that tastes like it came straight from a Chicago butcher shop.
Families love the casual vibe where guests of all ages can add their signatures to the walls while waiting for their pizza to emerge from the oven.
The tangy tomato sauce balances perfectly with the rich cheese, creating harmony in every forkful because yes, you’ll need utensils for this beast.
5. Spacca Napoli Pizzeria – Ravenswood, Chicago
Authentic Neapolitan pizza transported straight from Naples finds its home in this charming Ravenswood gem.
Spacca Napoli at 1769 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, uses a wood-fired oven imported from Italy to achieve that perfect char.
The dough ferments for days, resulting in a pillowy, slightly chewy crust with those coveted leopard-spotted bubbles.
Fresh mozzarella di bufala, San Marzano tomatoes, and basil create the classic Margherita that would make any Neapolitan grandmother proud.
The team behind Spacca Napoli draws inspiration from traditional Neapolitan techniques, bringing centuries of pizza-making tradition to Chicago’s north side.
The cozy, intimate space feels more like a neighborhood trattoria than a typical pizzeria, with warm lighting and friendly service.
Each pizza arrives at your table in about 90 seconds from the 900-degree oven, with edges perfectly charred and centers delightfully tender.
6. Milly’s Pizza in the Pan – Uptown, Chicago
Chicago-style pan pizza has found its modern champion at this Uptown sensation where rectangular pans produce crispy, cheesy magic.
Milly’s at 1005 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640, brings Motor City pizza traditions to the Windy City with spectacular results.
The dough bakes in blue steel pans, creating impossibly crispy edges where cheese caramelizes into golden, crunchy perfection.
Sauce is layered carefully to complement the cheese and crust, creating balance without sacrificing texture.
Their pepperoni cups curl up into little grease-catching bowls that locals call “roni cups,” adding both flavor and fun to every slice.
The airy, focaccia-like interior contrasts beautifully with those crispy edges, creating textural heaven in every bite.
Lines form early and often, but the friendly staff keeps things moving while maintaining quality that never wavers.
7. Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company – Streeterville, Chicago
Cracker-thin, Roman-inspired pizzas take center stage at this Streeterville favorite, offering a lighter alternative to Chicago’s heavier styles.
Robert’s at 465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611, proves that Chicago can do thin crust just as well as deep-dish.
The dough achieves that perfect balance of crispy and chewy, with just enough give to fold without cracking.
Fresh mozzarella gets shredded daily, and the sauce strikes that ideal sweet-tangy balance that keeps you reaching for another slice.
Late-night crowds gather here after events at nearby Navy Pier, making it a Streeterville staple for locals and visitors alike.
Grab a slice at the counter or order a whole pie to share, either way you’re getting authentic New York-style pizza without leaving Illinois.
The simple, no-frills approach lets the quality ingredients shine, proving that sometimes less really is more when it comes to pizza perfection.
8. Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria – Ashburn, Chicago
South Side pride runs deep at this Ashburn institution where thin crust gets cut into squares, not triangles, in true Chicago tavern-style tradition.
Vito & Nick’s at 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652, has been serving their signature crispy pies since 1946.
The crust shatters delightfully with each bite, so thin you can almost see through it, yet sturdy enough to support generous toppings.
Their secret sauce recipe has remained unchanged for decades, creating a sweet-spicy flavor profile that locals crave like comfort food.
Sausage gets crumbled into tiny, well-seasoned pieces that distribute evenly across every square, ensuring perfect bites throughout.
The neighborhood vibe feels authentically Chicago, where regulars greet each other by name and newcomers quickly become part of the family.
While it long operated as cash-only, Vito & Nick’s now accepts cards, blending old-school tradition with modern convenience.
9. Piece Brewery & Pizzeria – Wicker Park, Chicago
New Haven-style pizza meets Chicago creativity at this Wicker Park hotspot where thin, charred crusts deliver serious flavor.
Piece at 1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, brings Connecticut pizza traditions to the Midwest with award-winning results.
The coal-fired oven creates distinctive char marks and a slightly smoky flavor that elevates every ingredient.
Their signature white pizza topped with mashed potato, bacon, and garlic sounds unconventional but tastes like pure genius.
The oblong shape and irregular edges give each pie a rustic, artisanal appearance that Instagram can’t resist.
Communal tables and industrial-chic decor create a lively atmosphere where Wicker Park locals gather for casual dinners and weekend brunches.
The menu rotates seasonal specials that showcase local ingredients, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully on a pizza crust.
10. Jimmy’s Pizza Café – Lincoln Square, Chicago
Family recipes passed down through generations create the magic at this Lincoln Square neighborhood gem where everyone knows your name.
Jimmy’s at 5159 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, is celebrated for its New York–style thin-crust pizza made with care and consistency.
The homemade sausage recipe comes from Jimmy’s grandfather, featuring the perfect blend of spices that taste distinctly different from anywhere else.
Their thin crust achieves that ideal cracker-like crispness while maintaining enough structure to hold generous toppings without drooping.
Fans appreciate the focused menu, which puts all the attention on perfecting thin-crust pizza.
The small, cozy dining room feels like eating at a friend’s house, with personal touches and warm hospitality that chain restaurants can’t replicate.
Delivery drivers know every street in Lincoln Square by heart, ensuring your pizza arrives hot and fresh to your doorstep.
11. Pizzeria Uno – River North, Chicago
History was made at this River North location in 1943 when Ike Sewell allegedly invented Chicago deep-dish pizza.
Pizzeria Uno at 29 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, stands as the birthplace of the style that made Chicago internationally famous.
The original recipe remains unchanged, featuring a thick, buttery crust that rises high to contain layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
Vintage photos line the walls, telling the story of how one restaurant changed pizza forever and put Chicago on the culinary map.
The historic, below-street-level dining rooms add to the old-school charm, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Tourists fill many tables, but locals still return to taste the pizza that started it all, respecting the legacy while enjoying genuinely delicious food.
Order the classic cheese and sausage combination to experience deep-dish exactly as it was originally intended by its creators.
12. Pizzeria Due – River North, Chicago
When Pizzeria Uno’s success created overwhelming demand, the owners opened this sister location just a block away in 1955.
Pizzeria Due at 619 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, serves the exact same legendary deep-dish recipe with slightly shorter wait times.
The Victorian brownstone setting provides more intimate dining spaces across multiple floors, creating cozy nooks perfect for date nights.
Many locals actually prefer Due’s atmosphere, finding it less touristy while maintaining the same exceptional quality and authentic recipe.
The kitchen uses identical ingredients and techniques as Uno, ensuring you’re getting genuine original Chicago deep-dish pizza.
Exposed brick walls and vintage lighting create ambiance that modern restaurants spend fortunes trying to replicate artificially.
Smart diners call both locations and go to whichever has the shorter wait, knowing they’ll get the same incredible pizza either way.
13. Zaza’s Pizzeria – Lakeview, Chicago
Neapolitan authenticity meets Lakeview convenience at this neighborhood favorite where quality never takes shortcuts.
Zaza’s at 1947 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60657, imports ingredients directly from Italy to ensure authentic flavors in every bite.
The wood-burning oven reaches temperatures that create those signature charred bubbles and smoky undertones that define true Neapolitan pizza.
San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and extra-virgin olive oil combine in simple preparations that showcase ingredient quality over gimmicks.
Their Diavola pizza brings perfect heat with spicy salami that doesn’t overpower the delicate, slightly tangy tomato sauce.
The small dining room fills quickly with Lakeview residents who appreciate having world-class Neapolitan pizza just steps from home.
Takeout and delivery maintain quality surprisingly well, though eating immediately while the crust still has that perfect chew is highly recommended.
14. Coalfire Pizza – West Town, Chicago
Coal-fired ovens reaching 800 degrees create pizzas with blistered crusts and smoky complexity at this West Town destination.
Coalfire at 1321 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, pioneered the coal-oven movement in Chicago, inspiring imitators across the city.
The intense heat cooks pizzas in just minutes, creating dramatic char while keeping the interior tender and chewy.
Minimalist toppings let the crust shine, though their prosciutto and arugula combination adds sophisticated flavors without overwhelming the base.
The industrial space with exposed ductwork and concrete floors matches the straightforward, no-nonsense approach to pizza making.
Counter service keeps things casual and affordable, making this a favorite lunch spot for West Town workers and residents.
Each pizza arrives looking almost rustic, with irregular edges and dramatic charring that proves the power of high-heat, quick cooking.
15. Middle Brow Bungalow – Logan Square, Chicago
Sourdough pizza crust represents the next evolution of Chicago pizza at this Logan Square brewery and pizzeria.
Middle Brow Bungalow at 2840 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, ferments their dough for days, creating complex flavors and perfect texture.
The naturally leavened crust develops tangy notes that complement rather than compete with creative, seasonal toppings.
Their potato and rosemary pizza sounds simple but delivers layers of flavor that showcase how quality ingredients need little embellishment.
The actual bungalow setting creates intimate dining spaces where Logan Square neighbors gather for community and exceptional food.
Everything here reflects thoughtful craftsmanship, from the house-made sodas to the carefully curated ingredient list that changes with seasons.
Reservations fill up quickly for weekend dinners, so plan ahead to experience this modern take on Chicago pizza tradition.
16. Pat’s Pizza – Lincoln Park, Chicago
Simplicity reigns supreme at this Lincoln Park institution where thin-crust pizza has remained unchanged since opening decades ago.
Pat’s at 2679 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or trendy techniques to create pizza perfection.
The cracker-thin crust shatters satisfyingly with each bite, providing the ideal foundation for their well-balanced sauce and quality mozzarella.
Locals appreciate the consistent quality and reasonable prices that make Pat’s a reliable choice for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
The no-frills atmosphere focuses attention where it belongs: on the pizza, which speaks for itself without needing Instagram-worthy presentation.
Delivery arrives promptly throughout Lincoln Park, with pizzas staying crispy thanks to proper packaging that prevents steam buildup.
Sometimes the best pizza isn’t the most innovative or expensive, just honest, delicious food made the same way every single time.