10 Illinois Deep Dish Pizzerias Locals Defend Fiercely
Chicago and Illinois are practically synonymous with deep dish pizza, that glorious invention that flips traditional pizza on its head and dares you to grab a fork.
Locals don’t just eat this stuff, they defend their favorite spots with the passion of a sports fan during playoff season, ready to argue crust thickness, sauce placement, and cheese pull at a moment’s notice.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a first-time visitor, or someone who simply followed the smell of baking dough, these ten pizzerias have earned legendary status for their towering pies, buttery crusts, and unapologetic sauce-on-top swagger.
Loosen your belt, bring your appetite, and get ready to explore the spots that make Illinoisans fiercely proud to call this state home.
1. Pequod’s Pizza – Chicago
Caramelized cheese edges that crunch like a savory cookie? Yes, please!
Pequod’s Pizza has mastered the art of Chicago-style pan pizza, with a twist that locals swear by. Located at 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, this neighborhood gem doesn’t need flashy marketing because word-of-mouth does all the heavy lifting.
The secret weapon here is the caramelized crust, which forms a golden, crispy ring around the edge of the pie. It’s like someone took the best part of a grilled cheese sandwich and wrapped it around your pizza.
The cheese gets all bubbly and toasted, creating a texture that’s both crunchy and gooey at the same time.
Pequod’s keeps things simple with classic toppings and a no-nonsense approach to quality. The tomato sauce is chunky and rich, the sausage is perfectly seasoned, and the crust is buttery without being greasy.
People wait in line for over an hour on weekends, and nobody complains because they know what’s waiting at the end.
This spot has a cult following that borders on obsessive. Regulars have their favorite tables, their go-to orders, and their own theories about why Pequod’s beats every other deep-dish-adjacent joint in town.
It’s not just pizza, it’s a religion with pepperoni.
2. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Naperville
Buttery, flaky crust that practically melts in your mouth—that’s the Lou Malnati’s difference. At 131 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, this location brings the Chicago legend to the suburbs with all the flavor and none of the downtown parking hassles.
Families flock here like it’s a weekly pilgrimage, and for good reason.
Lou Malnati’s uses a unique butter crust recipe that sets it apart from competitors. The dough has this delicate, almost croissant-like quality that contrasts beautifully with the robust tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella.
It’s not as heavy as some deep dish options, which means you can actually finish a slice without needing a nap afterward.
The sausage patty is legendary—a thin, perfectly seasoned layer that covers the entire pizza like a meaty blanket. Pair that with their vine-ripened tomato sauce, and you’ve got a flavor combination that’s been perfected over decades.
The Naperville location maintains the same high standards as the original, with friendly service and a cozy atmosphere.
Locals defend Lou Malnati’s with fierce loyalty, often declaring it the best deep dish in the state. They’ll argue passionately about crust thickness, cheese ratios, and sauce placement.
One bite, and you’ll understand why this pizzeria has inspired such devotion across generations of Illinois families.
3. Giordano’s – Rockford
Stuffed pizza that’s basically two pizzas having a delicious love affair—that’s Giordano’s specialty. Located at 3231 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108, this outpost brings the Chicago stuffed pizza tradition to northern Illinois with spectacular results.
The double-crust construction creates a pie so thick it could double as a doorstop.
What makes Giordano’s different from traditional deep dish? The top crust layer changes everything.
Cheese and toppings get sandwiched between two layers of dough, then topped with sauce, creating a pizza that’s more like a savory pie than a traditional slice. It’s engineering meets culinary art, and the result is glorious.
The cheese pull at Giordano’s is Instagram-worthy every single time. Mozzarella stretches for days, creating those satisfying cheese strings that make you feel like you’re in a pizza commercial.
The flaky crust has a slightly sweet note that balances the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
Rockford residents treat this location like their own personal treasure. They’ll drive across town specifically for Giordano’s, bypassing other pizza joints without a second thought.
The stuffed spinach pizza is a local favorite, proving that even vegetables can be indulgent when surrounded by cheese and buttery crust. This isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience that requires stretchy pants and zero regrets.
4. Gino’s East – South Barrington
Cornmeal crust with a golden crunch and walls covered in graffiti—Gino’s East is an institution. At 100 W Higgins Rd, South Barrington, IL 60010, this location delivers the same iconic deep dish that made the original famous, complete with the slightly sweet, cornmeal-dusted crust that’s been a Chicago staple since 1966.
The cornmeal gives the crust a distinctive texture and flavor that you won’t find anywhere else. It adds a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch to each bite, creating a foundation that can handle the weight of generous toppings.
Gino’s doesn’t skimp on ingredients—they pile on the cheese, sausage, peppers, and onions like they’re building a delicious skyscraper.
The South Barrington location maintains the tradition of letting customers write on the walls, creating a colorful, chaotic atmosphere that’s part of the Gino’s experience. It’s like eating inside a giant, delicious time capsule where everyone from tourists to locals has left their mark.
The pizza takes about 45 minutes to bake, but the wait is worth every second.
Suburban families make Gino’s East their go-to spot for celebrations, team dinners, and weekend treats. The pizza arrives at your table bubbling hot, with cheese that threatens to overflow the pan.
One slice fills you up, but somehow you always find room for just one more bite.
5. Nancy’s Pizza – Mokena
Stuffed pizza with a twist—Nancy’s pioneered the stuffed pizza concept before it was cool. At 19803 S LaGrange Rd, Mokena, IL 60448, this family-owned pizzeria has been serving up their signature creation since 1971, earning fierce loyalty from south suburban residents who consider it the best-kept secret in Illinois pizza.
Nancy’s stuffed pizza features a unique crust that’s lighter and flakier than competitors. The double-crust construction allows for an absurd amount of cheese and toppings, all sealed together and topped with their signature chunky tomato sauce.
It’s like a pizza calzone hybrid that somehow works better than either one alone.
The Mokena location maintains the family atmosphere that made Nancy’s special from the beginning. The staff treats regulars like old friends, remembering favorite orders and asking about family members.
It’s this personal touch combined with consistently excellent pizza that keeps people coming back generation after generation.
Locals rave about the spinach and mushroom stuffed pizza, which manages to make vegetables feel indulgent and exciting. The crust stays crispy even under all that weight, a testament to the baking technique perfected over decades.
Nancy’s proves that sometimes the best pizza comes from places that focus on quality over hype, letting the food speak for itself one delicious slice at a time.
6. Rosati’s Pizza – Champaign
Chicago-style pizza meets college town energy at Rosati’s. Located at 1801 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820, this spot serves up authentic deep dish that rivals anything you’ll find in the big city.
Students and locals alike defend this place like it’s their personal pizza paradise, and the late-night crowds prove its legendary status.
Rosati’s brings the Chicago pizza tradition downstate with serious commitment to quality. Their deep dish features a thick, buttery crust that holds up beautifully under layers of cheese and toppings.
The sauce has a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, with chunks of tomato that burst with flavor in every bite.
What sets the Champaign location apart is its ability to serve consistently excellent pizza even during the chaos of college town rushes. Friday and Saturday nights see lines out the door, but the kitchen never compromises on quality.
Each pizza gets the full 40-minute bake time it deserves, emerging golden and bubbling hot.
The Italian sausage is particularly noteworthy—seasoned perfectly with fennel and garlic, it adds a savory depth that elevates the entire pizza. Rosati’s also offers thin crust for those who want a break from deep dish, but locals know the real star is that towering, cheese-filled masterpiece.
It’s the kind of pizza that makes you understand why people get so passionate about their favorite spots.
7. Monical’s Pizza – Normal
Thin crust might be their claim to fame, but Monical’s also offers thicker pan-style pizzas that locals happily include in Illinois deep-dish conversations. At 1610 E College Ave, Normal, IL 61761, this central Illinois institution proves that great pizza doesn’t require a Chicago zip code.
Locals have been defending Monical’s since 1959, making it one of the oldest pizza chains still operating in the state.
Monical’s pizza takes a slightly different approach than classic Chicago deep dish, favoring a thicker, crisp-edged pan style rather than an ultra-tall, sauce-heavy build. The crust is thick but not overwhelmingly so, creating a perfect balance between bread and toppings.
Their secret recipe dough has a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy sauce beautifully, while the cheese blend creates that perfect stretch without being overly greasy.
The Normal location serves as a community gathering spot where families celebrate birthdays, teams gather after games, and students fuel late-night study sessions. The salad bar is legendary in its own right, offering fresh toppings that pair perfectly with hot pizza.
It’s this combination of quality food and welcoming atmosphere that creates fierce loyalty.
Central Illinois residents will argue passionately that Monical’s holds its own against any Chicago pizzeria. The French dressing is a regional obsession, and the pizza’s consistency across decades means grandparents can share the exact same experience with their grandchildren.
It’s not just pizza, it’s edible nostalgia that tastes better with every generation.
8. Avanti’s Italian Restaurant – Peoria
Gondola sandwiches might steal the spotlight, but Avanti’s thick, pan-style pizza deserves equal billing. At 3312 N Sterling Ave, Peoria, IL 61604, this local favorite has been serving Italian-American comfort food since 1971, and their pizza has earned a devoted following that spans generations of central Illinois families.
Avanti’s pizza leans more toward a hearty Illinois pan style rather than classic Chicago deep dish, featuring a bread-like crust that’s substantial enough to hold generous toppings without getting soggy. The cheese blend includes a mix of mozzarella and provolone, creating a flavor profile that’s slightly sharper than typical deep dish.
Their sauce is seasoned with Italian herbs that give it an authentic, homemade quality.
The Peoria location maintains a casual, family-friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. The portions are generous, one large pizza can easily feed a family of four with leftovers.
Regular customers have their favorite booths and their go-to orders, creating a sense of community that goes beyond just good food.
What makes locals so fiercely defensive of Avanti’s is its consistency over decades. The recipes haven’t changed, the quality hasn’t wavered, and the commitment to customer satisfaction remains rock-solid.
The combination pizza is particularly popular, loaded with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and peppers. It’s the kind of pizza that makes you proud to be from Illinois, proving that amazing deep pan pizza exists well beyond Chicago’s city limits.
9. Joe’s Pizza – Wheeling
Neighborhood charm meets serious pizza craftsmanship at Joe’s Pizza. Located at 832 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090, this unassuming spot has built a reputation that extends far beyond its suburban location.
Locals treat Joe’s like a closely guarded secret, though the crowded dining room on weekends suggests the secret is out.
Joe’s deep dish strikes the perfect balance between traditional Chicago style and innovative touches. The crust is buttery and flaky with just the right amount of crunch on the bottom.
They’re generous with the cheese, maybe too generous if you’re counting calories, but who does that with deep dish pizza? The sausage is heavily seasoned and widely praised by regulars for its bold flavor.
What sets Joe’s apart is the attention to detail in every aspect of the pizza. The sauce is made fresh daily, and the kitchen emphasizes fresh-prepped ingredients and made-to-order pies.
This commitment to quality ingredients shows in the final product, which consistently exceeds expectations.
Wheeling residents defend Joe’s with the kind of passion usually reserved for sports teams. They’ll drive past chain restaurants specifically to get their Joe’s fix, and they’ll bring visiting friends and family to prove that the best pizza isn’t always in Chicago proper.
The mushroom and sausage deep dish is a local favorite that showcases everything Joe’s does right.
10. Pizzeria Uno – Chicago
Where it all began, Pizzeria Uno claims to have invented deep dish pizza back in 1943. Located at 29 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, this historic spot continues to serve the pizza that started a culinary revolution.
Walking into Uno feels like stepping into pizza history, with vintage photos and memorabilia covering the walls.
The original deep dish recipe features a thick, buttery crust that’s pressed up the sides of a well-seasoned cast iron pan. Cheese goes directly on the crust, followed by toppings, then topped with chunky tomato sauce, the reverse of traditional pizza construction.
This method keeps the crust crispy and prevents the toppings from burning during the long bake time.
Uno’s pizza has a distinctive rustic quality that sets it apart from more modern interpretations. The crust has visible texture and irregular edges, giving it a handmade appearance that’s become part of its charm.
The sauce is simple but flavorful, letting the quality of the tomatoes shine through without excessive seasoning.
Chicago locals tend to revere Uno more for its historical importance than as their everyday go-to, but tourists flock here for the history, and regulars return for the consistently prepared pizza that hasn’t changed in decades.
The spinach deep dish remains surprisingly popular, proving that the original inventors still know how to honor tradition while offering variety.