Chicago’s Best Pizza: Deep Dish vs. Tavern Style

Chicago’s Iconic Pizza Scene: Must-Try Local Spots from Deep Dish to Tavern Style

Let’s be real, in fact from my personal experience with out of town friends and family members whenever I brag about Chicago pizza, all they comment about the huge, cheesy deep dish pie you can barely lift with one hand.

And hey I always tell them fair enough, in Chicago we practically invented it. But if you ask anyone actually from Chicago what kind of pizza they eat the most then they’ll tell you straight up: it’s not deep dish. It’s the tavern-style pizza.  

Yes, we Chicago locals prefer pizza that’s thin, crispy, and cut into little squares you can eat with one hand and hold a beer with the other.

So, yeah. In this city, pizza is more than food but I would say it has become foodie identity. Whether you’re here for the famous deep dish or the crispy thin-crust, Chicago’s pizza scene has so many good options. Let’s dig in.

The Deep Dish Places

Lou Malnati’s

If you’ve never had Lou Malnati’s then I feel that it’s basically the “Welcome to Chicago” pizza experience. Personally, Lou Malnati’s is my favorite deep dish pizza place.

The crust is buttery and golden loaded with the cheese that you will be surprised to see, how long you can stretch. And of course, I love the sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

My favorite is “The Lou” vegetarian deep dish pizza. But I have seen that the “Malnati Chicago Classic” has been locals favorite as well. The Malnati Chicago Classic pizza is made with sausage, extra cheese, and that perfect flaky crust. It’s the kind of pizza that makes you want to take a nap afterward.

Giordano’s

Giordano’s is also locals and travelers favorite deep dish pizza place. At Giordano’s they do things a little differently. Their “stuffed” pizza has an extra layer of dough sealing in all that cheese and sauce.

It’s rich, indulgent, and absolutely massive. This is the pizza you order when you’ve got friends in town and you’re trying to impress them.

Bonus tip: From my personal experience, save a slice for later. It’s somehow even better reheated.

Gino’s East

If walls could talk then the ones at Gino’s East would never shut up. Gino’s East pizza place has unique wall décor style. Walls are covered in graffiti and names from visitors over decades. I would say this place feels like a Chicago time capsule. The crust here has a slight cornmeal crunch, and the sauce-to-cheese ratio is pure perfection. It’s a classic, plain and simple.

Pequod’s Pizza

In recent years, things are slightly shifting. If you ask ten locals for the best deep dish in Chicago then I bet you that at least half will say Pequod’s.

Their secret? They caramelize the cheese right onto the edge of the crust so it gets crispy and slightly burnt. It sounds wild, but it’s addicting. I prefer their Lincoln Park location. I have noticed that the Lincoln Park location fills up fast, so plan ahead if you are planning to go there. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta

If you want deep dish but not the “food coma” kind, Pizano’s is the move. Their crust is lighter, the sauce is bright and fresh, and the whole pizza vibe feels a little more old-school Italian. I love going there on a weekday evening for a change as I can avoid crowd and it feels more cozy.

Check out this Behind the Scenes Chicago Pizza Tour guide to experience Chicago’s best pizza spots up close.

The Local Favorite: Tavern-Style Pizza

Now here’s the kind of pizza that locals favorite for routine life. I have noticed it and even from my personal preference I would say Tavern style pizza is the real Chicago pizza. In texture it is thin, crispy cut into small square shapes.

Here in Chicago, we call pizza cut in square shape as “party cut”. Nick name history goes back in past. These “party cuts” were made to be shared at the bars.

Vito & Nick’s

If you are planning to be south side of the city then Vito & Nick’s pizza is the place. It is located at 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652. If you get chance to hit one thin-crust spot then in my opinion go for this one.
Vito & Nick’s is located on the South Side. It is family run pizzeria that serves one of the best tavern style pizza in Chicagoland. You will enjoy the pure old-school Chicago flavor.

Pat’s Pizza & Ristorante

Pat’s has been around since the 1950s and perfect cozy place to enjoy pizza. In my personal opinion, I would say it is cool place to enjoy Sunday night family dinner in old style dine-in place. Their thin crust has a perfect crunch and they don’t skimp on the toppings. If you like classic Italian-American comfort food then you’ll feel right at home here.

Pat’s Pizza & Ristorante is located at 2679 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Candlelite

Candlelite up in Rogers Park is perfect place to enjoy thin crust and feel the neighbourhood vibes. I liked the setup as place feels comfy and cozy in dim lights. It was great time enjoying the cold beers and their pizza is spot-on. I recommend to try their hot-honey pepperoni pizza it’s got just enough heat to keep things interesting.

Candlelite is located at 7452 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645

Barnaby’s of Northbrook

A little outside the city but totally worth the drive. Barnaby’s is cool place with old-tavern style Chicago pizzeria. The pizza is crispy, sweet, and baked until the edges turn that perfect golden brown. I have been to Barnaby’s of Northbrook few times and place is fully packed especially during weekends. It is perfect dinner place for families, first dates, birthdays and any occasion.

Barnaby’s of Northbrook is located at 960 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, IL 60062

If you’re planning to explore Chicago beyond downtown, check out our Best Restaurants in Wicker Park & Bucktown list for amazing local eats and chill vibes.

New-Wave Pizza Spots Changing the Game

Chicago might be known for tradition but Chicago locals are not afraid to try creative version when it comes to pizza. Believe me Chicago is also home to some seriously creative pizza makers who are shaking things up and doing it right.

Paulie Gee’s Logan Square

Originally Paulie Gee’s pizzeria came from Brooklyn. Paulie Gee’s brought New York’s wood-fired energy to Chicago and locals ate it up and now they are big fans. At Paulie Gee’s pizza they also server Detroit-style squares.

Their Detroit-style squares are thick, cheesy, and crispy around the edges, while their Neapolitan pies come out with that signature leopard-spotted crust. The “Hellboy” with spicy honey is next-level.

Paulie Gee’s Logan Square is located at 2451 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

Piece is my go-to when I want something a little different. They serve New Haven-style pizza. I like the thin, chewy, and a little charred pizza along with house-brewed beer.

I enjoyed the casual vibe. It was kind of loud and full of energy. Personally, I do not eat red meat, so I have not tried their white pizza with bacon and mashed potatoes. It sounds crazy but I have noticed that it has been popular among locals so don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

Coalfire

Coalfire pizza place you will have great time enjoying pizzas made in coal oven. They bake their pizzas in a 900-degree coal oven. It gives them a perfect balance of chewy crust and smoky flavor. Their whipped-ricotta sausage pizza might just be one of the best bites in the city.

Coalfire Pizza has two locations one in West Town at 1321 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642 and one in Lake View at 3707 N. Southport Ave. Chicago, IL 60613.

Pizza Matta

Pizza Matta is located in Logan Square neighborhood. It is small cozy pizza place serving Chicago’s tavern style pizza with modern twist.

It was very interesting to know that the dough is naturally fermented and the toppings are creative but not over the top.

For me everything felt like it was thoughtfully made. It’s where old-school meets cool-kid energy.

Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company

Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company is one of my favorite pizza places. I love their setup. It is bi-level pizzeria on the waterfront.

At this place they serve thin-crust crispy pizza with very creative toppings. Overall their presentation is amazing. If you are looking for dine-in place in modern style then this is your place.

Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company is located at 465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611

Hidden Neighborhood Gems

Some of the best pizzas in Chicago don’t have long lines or fancy menus but just loyal regulars from neighborhood and surrounding areas who’ve been coming for years.

Phil’s Pizza

Bridgeport folks know what’s up. Phil’s has been serving out no-nonsense tavern-style pies since the ’60s.

When I went there I liked the crispy crust. Also, the toppings are old-school (think sausage, mushroom, green pepper). Overall, the atmosphere is pure South Side charm.

Italian Fiesta Pizzeria

Italian Fiesta Pizzeria has total 5 different locations throughout Chicagoland at the time of writing this post. So if you are close to anyone of their location then try it out. I would say “greasy in the best way.”

It’s that late-night, after-the-bar kind of pizza that hits just right. Grab it to go and thank yourself later.

Aurelio’s Pizza

Born in the suburbs but loved city-wide and also certain out of states locations as well. At Aurelio’s pizza is made with a thin crust that’s slightly sweet, perfectly crisp, and totally addicting.

Deep Dish or Tavern-Style: Who Wins?

If you’re asking me then in my opinion it’s a tie.
Deep dish is an experience to have if you are visiting Chicago. At the same time slow, rich, comforting.

Tavern-style pizza is an everyday kind of choice for Chicagoans. These pizza are easy to eat, made for sharing, and just plain fun.

They’re two totally different moods, and honestly, you can’t visit Chicago without trying both.

My personal strategy? I would recommend to go for deep dish for dinner one night, tavern-style the next day with a beer. That’s the Chicago way.

Tips for Exploring Chicago’s Pizza Scene

• Don’t rush deep dish. It takes 30–45 minutes to bake, so grab a drink and enjoy the wait.
• Expect leftovers. Deep dish is filling so you will feel like “I-need-a-nap” filling.
• Ask locals for recs. Chicagoans love to debate pizza. You’ll get passionate opinions and I bet they will be good ones.
• Branch out. Some of the best spots are in the neighborhoods, Yes, they are not in downtown.
• Pair it right. Pizza + local beer = happiness.

Chicago’s pizza scene is kind of a reflection of the city itself: bold, diverse, a little messy. Like I mentioned before from the buttery crusts of Lou Malnati’s to the crispy corners at Vito & Nick’s, each pizza place every slice tells a story of family, history, and community.

I insist that if next time you’re in Chicago then don’t just grab the first deep dish you see downtown. I highly recommend to explore.

Talk to locals. Try a bar pizza in the neighborhood then a classic pie in the city.