Chicago is home to a unique and passionate pizza culture, with deep-dish pizza stealing the spotlight. But the question of which pizza is the “best” in the city is an ongoing debate among locals and visitors alike. Chicago’s pizza scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods, offering everything from classic deep-dish to thin-crust, stuffed pizzas, and even artisanal pies. So, what’s the best pizza in Chicago? The answer really depends on your tastes, but let’s explore the top contenders that make Chicago a pizza lover’s paradise.
The Iconic Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Chicago’s deep-dish pizza. Known for its thick, buttery crust and hearty layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings, deep-dish is a staple of the city’s pizza scene. While it may not be the go-to choice for everyone, it has earned a place in the hearts of many pizza aficionados.
Some of the top spots to experience deep-dish pizza include:
- Lou Malnati’s: Widely regarded as one of the best deep-dish pizzerias in Chicago, Lou Malnati’s is beloved for its buttery, flaky crust and savory sausage. It’s a quintessential Chicago pizza experience that shouldn’t be missed.
- Giordano’s: Known for its “stuffed” deep-dish pizza, Giordano’s takes the deep-dish concept to the next level by adding an even thicker crust and more filling. Their signature stuffed pizza is a delicious, indulgent treat that will leave you full for hours.
- Art of Pizza: This gem offers both deep-dish and stuffed pizza options, giving you the flexibility to try both styles. Known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations, Art of Pizza has earned a reputation as one of Chicago’s best pizza joints.
Thin-Crust Pizza: A Different Kind of Slice
While deep-dish is the most famous pizza style associated with Chicago, the city also has an incredible thin-crust pizza tradition. Unlike the floppy, greasy slices you might find in New York, Chicago’s thin-crust pizza is crispy and perfectly crunchy around the edges. It’s often cut into square pieces, making it perfect for sharing with a group.
Some top spots for thin-crust pizza in Chicago include:
- Bartoli’s Pizzeria: This family-owned pizzeria serves up some of the crispiest, most satisfying thin-crust pies in the city. Known for its high-quality ingredients and fresh toppings, Bartoli’s is a local favorite.
- Vito & Nick’s: Serving up thin-crust pizza since 1946, Vito & Nick’s is an iconic spot in Chicago’s pizza scene. With a crispy crust, perfectly balanced sauce, and a delicious assortment of toppings, this pizzeria delivers a taste of classic Chicago pizza.
- The Art of Pizza (Thin-Crust): Yes, The Art of Pizza also excels with its thin-crust offerings. This place is renowned for its fresh ingredients and perfectly baked crust, making it one of the best places to grab a thin-crust pizza in the city.
Stuffed Pizza: A Hearty Indulgence
If you’re looking for a pizza that takes indulgence to the next level, stuffed pizza might be your new favorite. Stuffed pizza features a thick, doughy crust with layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings, all sealed in like a pizza pie. This style is richer and denser than deep-dish pizza, making it a filling choice for those who want something more substantial.
Top places to try stuffed pizza in Chicago include:
- Labriola Chicago: Offering a delicious stuffed pizza experience, Labriola’s rendition is filled with layers of cheese, sauce, and fresh ingredients, making it a must-try for stuffed pizza lovers.
- Bartoli’s Pizzeria (Stuffed): Bartoli’s doesn’t just shine with thin-crust pizzas—it also serves up an impressive stuffed pizza that many locals swear by. With its flaky crust and cheesy interior, it’s a delicious variation of Chicago’s pizza styles.
Artisanal and Gourmet Pizzas: A Modern Twist
Chicago’s pizza scene has evolved in recent years, with more artisanal pizzerias emerging that combine traditional techniques with innovative ingredients. These places take pizza to new heights with creative toppings, gourmet cheeses, and unique flavor combinations.
Notable artisanal and gourmet pizza spots include:
- The Pizza Lab: Known for its gourmet ingredients and artisanal approach, The Pizza Lab offers a creative twist on classic pizza. With inventive toppings like truffle oil, fresh mozzarella, and locally sourced vegetables, this pizzeria is perfect for adventurous eaters.
- Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta: A longtime favorite in Chicago, Pizano’s offers a more refined take on traditional deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas. With its fresh ingredients and a balance of classic and modern styles, Pizano’s is a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking something a little different.
- Coalfire Pizza: For a more contemporary take, Coalfire specializes in coal-fired thin-crust pizza with a perfect crispiness. Known for its creative toppings and high-quality ingredients, Coalfire serves up some of the best gourmet pizzas in Chicago.
What Makes the “Best” Pizza in Chicago?
The debate over the best pizza in Chicago often boils down to personal preferences. Some pizza lovers swear by the deep-dish style, while others prefer the thin, crispy crust of a classic Chicago slice. In the end, it’s about finding the pizza that satisfies your cravings, whether that’s the rich layers of a stuffed pizza, the satisfying crunch of thin-crust, or the indulgent comfort of deep-dish.
The best pizza in Chicago is subjective, and it may change depending on who you ask. What’s important is that the city offers a diverse array of pizza styles, each with its own unique appeal. Whether you’re in the mood for a deep-dish indulgence, a crispy thin-crust slice, or a gourmet pie with unexpected toppings, Chicago has something to offer everyone.
So, what’s the best pizza in Chicago? It’s a question that has no single answer because the city’s pizza scene is full of options that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re enjoying the iconic deep-dish at Lou Malnati’s, trying a crispy thin-crust slice at Vito & Nick’s, or experimenting with artisanal toppings at Coalfire, the best pizza is the one that makes you the happiest.
What’s important is that Chicago’s pizza culture is rich, diverse, and constantly evolving, ensuring that there’s always a perfect slice waiting for you. So, the next time you’re in the Windy City, grab a slice (or two) and experience firsthand why Chicago is considered one of the best pizza cities in the world!