Chicago takes its pizza seriously—so seriously that the city has developed not one, but two distinct styles that pizza lovers travel from around the world to experience. Whether you're craving the cheese-pull of a deep dish or the satisfying crunch of tavern-style squares, the Windy City delivers.
Chicago's Two Pizza Styles
Deep Dish: The Icon
Invented in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno, Chicago deep dish pizza features a tall, buttery crust that's pressed into a deep pan, layered with cheese directly on the dough, then topped with chunky tomato sauce. It's more like a pizza pie than a flatbread—and it's an experience every pizza lover needs to have at least once.
Tavern Style: The Local Favorite
While tourists flock to deep dish spots, many Chicagoans actually prefer tavern-style pizza: a thin, crispy crust cut into squares (not triangles!) and meant for sharing. It's the pizza you'll find at neighborhood bars, birthday parties, and family gatherings throughout the city.
Top Chicago Pizzerias
Lou Malnati's
Deep Dish
Famous for its buttery, flaky crust and exclusive use of fresh mozzarella. The "Malnati Chicago Classic" with lean sausage is legendary.
Pequod's Pizza
Deep Dish
Known for their caramelized cheese crust that creates a crispy, cheesy edge. A cult favorite among locals.
Giordano's
Stuffed Deep Dish
Takes deep dish even further with a stuffed version featuring an extra layer of dough and even more cheese.
Pat's Pizza
Tavern Style
A Lincoln Park institution since 1950. Perfectly crispy thin crust, cut in squares as tradition demands.
Vito & Nick's
Tavern Style
South Side legend with ultra-thin, cracker-crispy crust. Cash only, no delivery—worth the trip.
Spacca Napoli
Neapolitan
For purists: authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza with imported Italian ingredients.
Deep Dish vs. Tavern Style
| Feature | Deep Dish | Tavern Style |
|---|---|---|
| Crust | Thick, buttery, tall | Thin, crispy, cracker-like |
| Cheese Position | Under the sauce | On top of sauce |
| Cut Style | Triangular slices | Squares ("party cut") |
| Eating Style | Knife and fork | Pick up and eat |
| Wait Time | 45-60 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| Best For | Special occasion, tourists | Casual dining, parties |
Neighborhoods for Pizza
River North
Tourist-friendly area with Giordano's flagship and easy access to multiple deep dish spots.
Lincoln Park
Home to Pequod's and excellent tavern-style options. Great for a neighborhood pizza crawl.
Wicker Park/Bucktown
Trendy spots mixing classic Chicago styles with artisan approaches.
South Side
Where you'll find the most authentic tavern-style pizza at places like Vito & Nick's.
🏆 The Verdict
First-time visitor? You need to try deep dish at least once—Lou Malnati's or Pequod's won't disappoint.
Want to eat like a local? Head to a neighborhood tavern-style spot and order a round pie cut in squares.
Can't decide? That's what we're here for!
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