13 Pizza Places In Chicago, Illinois That Locals Are Passionate About
Chicago takes its pizza seriously, and for good reason, this city practically invented deep-dish and has been perfecting the art of pie-making for generations.
From crispy thin crusts to towering cheese-filled masterpieces, the Windy City offers something for every pizza lover’s palate.
Locals have their favorite spots, and they’ll defend them with the same passion they have for their sports teams.
Get ready to explore thirteen incredible pizza places that have earned the love and loyalty of Chicago residents, each serving up slices that’ll make your taste buds dance!
1. Pequod’s Pizza – Chicago
Location: 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Walking into Pequod’s feels like discovering a hidden treasure chest filled with golden, cheesy goodness.
The caramelized crust here isn’t just a side note—it’s the star of the show, creating a crispy, buttery edge that’ll have you fighting over corner pieces. Their pan pizza features a thick, hearty base loaded with fresh toppings and a cheese layer so generous it practically spills over the sides.
Locals swear by the perfectly balanced sauce that’s tangy without being overwhelming, complementing rather than competing with the other ingredients.
The cozy, no-frills atmosphere adds to the charm, making every visit feel like you’re in on Chicago’s best-kept secret. Whether you order the classic cheese or venture into specialty territory, each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by gooey, melty perfection.
Pequod’s has mastered the art of making pizza that’s both comforting and exciting, proving that sometimes the best things in life have beautifully browned edges.
2. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Chicago
Location: 958 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Since 1971, Lou Malnati’s has been serving up deep-dish dreams that have become legendary across the city.
Their buttery crust recipe remains a closely guarded family secret, creating a foundation that’s flaky yet sturdy enough to hold mountains of mozzarella. The sausage here deserves its own fan club—seasoned to perfection and layered generously throughout each pie.
What sets Lou’s apart is their vine-ripened tomato sauce, chunky and bright, adding a fresh burst of flavor with every forkful.
Chicagoans have been bringing out-of-town guests here for decades, proudly introducing them to what real deep-dish should taste like. The restaurant maintains that classic pizzeria vibe with checkered tablecloths and walls adorned with Chicago sports memorabilia.
Even during busy weekend rushes, the staff keeps things running smoothly with friendly efficiency. Each pizza arrives at your table bubbling hot, requiring that torturous yet necessary cooling period before you can dig in.
Lou Malnati’s isn’t just serving pizza—they’re serving up tradition, one delicious slice at a time.
3. Giordano’s – Chicago
Location: 730 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Giordano’s stuffed pizza stands tall—literally—as a monument to Chicago’s pizza prowess.
Unlike traditional deep-dish, their signature style features two layers of dough sandwiching an absolute avalanche of cheese, creating what can only be described as a pizza pie in the truest sense. The cheese-to-everything-else ratio here is absolutely bonkers in the best possible way, with mozzarella stretching for days when you pull apart a slice.
Patience becomes a virtue when ordering here, as each pie takes around forty-five minutes to bake to golden perfection.
But trust the process—good things come to those who wait, and great pizza comes to those who wait at Giordano’s. The flaky, buttery crust provides the perfect vessel for all that melty goodness, while the zesty tomato sauce on top adds brightness and balance.
Located in the heart of downtown, this spot attracts tourists and locals alike, all united in their quest for cheese-filled happiness. Families gather around tables, sharing stories and slices, creating memories one stuffed pizza at a time.
4. Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria – Chicago
Location: 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652
Forget everything you thought you knew about Chicago pizza—Vito & Nick’s is here to school you on the thin-crust tavern style that true locals crave.
Their ultra-crispy crust is rolled paper-thin, creating a cracker-like base that somehow manages to support generous toppings without getting soggy. The signature square-cut pieces make sharing easy, though you might find yourself hoarding the corner pieces with their extra-crispy edges.
What really makes this South Side institution special is the perfectly seasoned sauce that’s spread edge-to-edge, ensuring flavor in every single bite.
The cheese gets gloriously bubbly and slightly browned in spots, adding textural interest and concentrated bursts of dairy deliciousness. Since opening in 1946, this family-run establishment has maintained its commitment to quality and consistency.
The neighborhood atmosphere feels authentically Chicago, where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers are welcomed like old friends. Each pizza emerges from the oven looking like edible art, with toppings distributed with careful precision.
5. Piece Brewery & Pizzeria – Chicago
Location: 1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Piece brings a slice of New Haven, Connecticut, straight to Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood with their award-winning pizzas.
The oblong pies here feature a beautifully charred, thin crust that’s chewy in the center with delightfully crispy edges that crackle when you bite down. Their white clam pizza has achieved cult status among adventurous eaters, while traditionalists can’t get enough of the plain tomato pie.
The spacious, industrial-chic interior buzzes with energy, filled with groups of friends gathering around communal tables to share pies and good times.
What makes Piece unique is their commitment to doing things differently—they’ve taken a Connecticut pizza tradition and made it their own with Chicago flair. The mashed potato and bacon pizza sounds wild but tastes absolutely divine, proving that innovation and tradition can coexist deliciously.
Fresh ingredients shine through in every bite, from the bright tomato sauce to the quality mozzarella that melts into perfect pools. Service here strikes the right balance between attentive and laid-back.
6. Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe – Chicago
Location: 2434 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe proves that you don’t need fancy decor or trendy marketing when your pizza speaks for itself.
This North Center neighborhood gem has been quietly churning out exceptional pies that keep locals coming back week after week. Their crust hits that sweet spot between thin and thick, providing enough structure for toppings while still maintaining a satisfying chew.
The sauce here tastes like it came straight from an Italian grandmother’s kitchen—rich, herbaceous, and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of sweetness.
Generous cheese coverage ensures that every bite delivers that gooey, stretchy goodness pizza lovers crave. The menu keeps things straightforward with classic combinations done extraordinarily well, though the specialty pizzas offer creative twists for adventurous eaters.
Families fill the booths on weekend evenings, creating a warm, community atmosphere that feels increasingly rare in today’s world. The staff treats everyone like regulars, remembering orders and asking about your day with genuine interest.
Jimmy’s represents everything right about neighborhood pizza joints.
7. Spacca Napoli – Chicago
Location: 1769 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Spacca Napoli transports you straight to Naples without requiring a passport or international flight.
Their wood-fired oven, imported directly from Italy, reaches scorching temperatures that create those signature leopard-spotted crusts in just ninety seconds. The dough undergoes a long, slow fermentation process, resulting in a pillowy soft center surrounded by a puffy, slightly charred cornicione.
Using only certified San Marzano tomatoes and authentic buffalo mozzarella, every ingredient here meets strict Neapolitan pizza standards.
The Margherita pizza showcases the beauty of simplicity, fresh basil leaves, creamy mozzarella, bright tomato sauce, and that incredible crust combine to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Owner Jonathan Goldsmith is deeply knowledgeable in Italian cuisine and Neapolitan pizza traditions, bringing authentic techniques and philosophy to Chicago.
The cozy, rustic interior with exposed brick and wooden tables creates an intimate dining experience. Watching the pizzaiolos work their magic at the oven becomes entertainment in itself.
Spacca Napoli reminds us that authentic pizza doesn’t need a million toppings.
8. Forno Rosso (West Loop) – Chicago
Location: 1048 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Forno Rosso elevates pizza to an art form in Chicago’s trendy West Loop restaurant corridor.
Their wood-fired oven reaches high temperatures that create a crust with incredible depth of flavor—slightly smoky, wonderfully charred, and absolutely addictive. The dough here is handled with reverence, stretched by hand to achieve those irregular, rustic shapes that signal authenticity.
Premium toppings like prosciutto di Parma, wild mushrooms, and truffle oil transform simple pizzas into sophisticated culinary experiences.
The sleek, modern interior attracts a stylish crowd, but the pizza remains approachable and satisfying rather than pretentious. Their Diavola pizza brings the heat with spicy salami and Calabrian chili oil, while the Bianca offers a creamy, cheese-forward experience.
What impresses most is the attention to detail—from the perfectly dressed arugula garnishes to the precise placement of burrata dollops. The crust maintains structural integrity even with generous toppings, never becoming floppy or disappointing.
Forno Rosso proves that upscale pizza can still feel comforting and crave-worthy.
9. Coalfire Pizza (West Town) – Chicago
Location: 1321 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Coalfire Pizza pioneered the coal-oven pizza movement in Chicago, opening back in 2006 when thin-crust Neapolitan-style pies were still relatively novel.
The coal-burning oven reaches temperatures around 800 degrees, creating pizzas with dramatically blistered crusts covered in beautiful char marks. Their approach emphasizes quality over quantity, with a focused menu that lets each pizza shine.
The Margherita here features a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil atop that incredible crust.
For those craving something heartier, the sausage and mushroom combination delivers earthy, savory satisfaction. The small, intimate space fills up quickly, especially on weekends, creating a lively buzz of conversation and clinking plates.
Despite the crowds, service remains friendly and efficient, with staff clearly passionate about the pizza they’re serving. The crust achieves that ideal combination of crispy exterior and tender interior, with a subtle smokiness from the coal fire.
Coalfire keeps things simple and does them exceptionally well.
10. Zaza’s Pizzeria – Chicago
Location: 1521 N Fremont St, Chicago, IL 60642
Zaza’s Pizzeria brings playful creativity to Chicago’s pizza scene without sacrificing quality or technique.
Their inventive flavor combinations push boundaries while respecting the fundamentals of great pizza-making. The crust strikes a lovely balance—sturdy enough to hold adventurous toppings yet light enough to eat multiple slices without feeling weighed down.
Seasonal specials keep the menu fresh and exciting, showcasing ingredients at their peak freshness.
The fig and prosciutto pizza sounds fancy but tastes like pure comfort, with sweet and salty notes playing beautifully together. Classic options remain available for traditionalists, executed with the same care and attention as the more experimental pies.
The bright, cheerful interior features colorful artwork and modern design elements that create an upbeat dining atmosphere. Located in the Near North Side area, Zaza’s attracts a diverse crowd from young professionals to families with kids.
Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients shines through in every bite, from the bright tomatoes to the premium cheeses. Zaza’s proves that innovation and tradition can coexist deliciously on the same menu.
11. Pizz’Amici – Chicago
Location: 1215 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Pizz’Amici brings authentic Italian warmth to Chicago’s West Town neighborhood with pizzas that taste like they came straight from a Roman pizzeria.
The thin, crispy crust leans toward Chicago tavern-style while incorporating Italian influences, providing the perfect canvas for high-quality toppings that are never overdone or overwhelming. Their approach emphasizes balance and harmony, with each ingredient complementing rather than competing with the others.
The Quattro Formaggi delivers cheese-lover’s heaven with four distinct varieties creating layers of creamy, tangy, sharp flavors.
Fresh arugula tops several pizzas, adding a peppery brightness that cuts through the richness of cheese and meat. The cozy, intimate space feels like dining in someone’s home, with warm lighting and friendly service that makes everyone feel welcome.
Regulars rave about the consistency—whether you visit on a Tuesday afternoon or Saturday evening, the quality remains reliably excellent. The marinara pizza, without cheese, lets the bright tomato sauce and fragrant garlic shine, proving that sometimes less is more.
Pizz’Amici creates the kind of neighborhood gathering spot every community needs.
12. Milly’s Pizza in the Pan – Chicago
Location: 925 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Milly’s Pizza in the Pan delivers a Chicago-style pan pizza that stands apart from both deep-dish and Detroit-style, and locals have embraced this distinctive approach with open arms and hungry mouths.
The rectangular pies feature a thick, airy crust that’s crispy on the bottom and soft in the middle, with cheese spread all the way to the edges where it caramelizes against the pan. Those crispy cheese corners have developed their own devoted following, with some customers specifically requesting extra edge pieces.
The sauce goes on top of the cheese here, creating beautiful red stripes across the golden surface.
Each pizza comes loaded with toppings that sink slightly into the fluffy dough, creating pockets of flavor throughout. The pepperoni cups and curls as it cooks, collecting little pools of flavorful oil that add extra richness.
Despite being a newer addition to Chicago’s pizza scene, Milly’s has quickly earned respect and repeat customers. The casual, modern space welcomes everyone from solo diners to large groups.
Milly’s proves that Chicago has room for more than just deep-dish and thin-crust.
13. Paulie Gee’s Logan Square – Chicago
Location: 2451 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Paulie Gee’s brings Brooklyn pizza excellence to Chicago’s hip Logan Square neighborhood with wood-fired pies that have earned serious street cred.
The blistered, leopard-spotted crust emerges from the oven with those telltale charred bubbles that signal proper high-heat cooking. Creative specialty pizzas with quirky names like the Hellboy and Regina showcase chef-driven innovation without losing sight of what makes pizza great.
The Mike’s Hot Honey drizzle option adds a sweet-spicy finish that’s become wildly popular, creating an addictive flavor combination.
Vegan options here actually taste incredible, with cashew-based cheeses and creative vegetable combinations that satisfy everyone, not just plant-based eaters. The industrial-chic space features reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and vintage lighting that creates an effortlessly cool atmosphere.
Staff members are knowledgeable and passionate, happy to guide first-timers through the menu and offer recommendations. The dough undergoes a multi-day fermentation process, developing complex flavors and that perfect chewy-crispy texture.
Paulie Gee’s represents the new generation of pizza excellence in Chicago.