Heading into Chicago tomorrow "Thursday thru Sunday" to watch my youngest daughter graduate college. We will have some time to see the sights and grab a slice of Chicago's best. If we can only get to one pizza place, who should it be?
Driving to Chicago for an extended weekend. Which pizza place to visit?
- Thread starter BobsArmory
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I heard on radio today they now have Pope-peroni pizza there some place 
I lived in Chicago for 30 years. Fabulous city. Spent lots of time on the magnificent mile. Tried 'em all. Gino's on Superior Street was my favorite. Uno and Due are pretty good too. If I were in Chicago today and wanted pizza on a weekend, I'd go to the suburbs or order out. Much of Chicago is too dangerous especially on a weekend.
Curbed Chicago
Curbed Chicago
All I can tell you is about 25 years ago I was sent to do some custom programming in Schaumberg; they took me to a pizza parlor that was out of this freakin' world. I envy you!
Last time I was there I was moving her from her 14th floor apartment right downtown (south loop) with my truck and a trailer. What a mess that was but at least it was a Sunday morning. She is now further north in a more peaceful area near Wrigley Field.
edyvw
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You are going to go for pizza and skip Italian beef at Portilo's? You are not a serious person.
Never heard of such a thing!
GON
$150 Site Donor 2025
Two awesome pizza places with ample locations in the greater Chicagoland area, so no need to go into the city if that is not specifically where you are going. Of note, these organizations are exceptionally well run, so you will get the pizza prepared properly.
#1 choice- Lou Malnati's pizza (deep dish- but their thin crust is also awesome):
https://www.loumalnatis.com/
#2 Aurelios (outstanding thin crust):
https://www.aureliospizza.com/
#1 choice- Lou Malnati's pizza (deep dish- but their thin crust is also awesome):
https://www.loumalnatis.com/
#2 Aurelios (outstanding thin crust):
https://www.aureliospizza.com/
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edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
OK, I was joking, now I am serious.
Portillo's is a staple of Chicago. Go get Italian beef, dipped, with hot peppers, and engrave my name in your living room after that
As for pizza, Lou Malnati's is good, deep dish.
The family has liked Lou Malnatis as its favorite for deep dish.
I'd skip Portillos - overrated. Maybe its since Portillos are here in the Twin Cities now too, but I'd rather go to Al's for an Italian Beef Sandwich in Chicago...
I'd skip Portillos - overrated. Maybe its since Portillos are here in the Twin Cities now too, but I'd rather go to Al's for an Italian Beef Sandwich in Chicago...
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You'll hear Lou Malnati's, Gino's East, and Giordanos the most and you should do those for deep dish. They are excellent. However, the locals know about Pequods. It was my favorite when I lived there. What makes their deep dish special is a caramelized cheese crust.
GON
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I would love to try Pequods, so much so I have thought about mail ordering their pizza. I have heard Pequods can be a challange to get a table, any insight on that?
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edyvw
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I have to go and try it. I spend a lot of time there, and my wife is from Chicago as well as all her family, but I have never heard about that place.
Little Ceasar's
I have had Lou Malnati's but I hear Giordano's is good as well. I don't know that you can go wrong if you like deep dish pizza.
The very best on most everyone who frequents them today is Pequods.
Lou Malnatis, Ginos East, Giordanos, Uno's and Due's are also authentic.
I've heard Pisano (sp?) is good, but cant verify.
Lous is a tiny bit thinner than the rest and they usually takes about 30 minutes to get it to the table where the rest will have you waiting about 40-45 before it hits the table.
If I were getting a dog I'd go to Byrons.
Lou Malnatis, Ginos East, Giordanos, Uno's and Due's are also authentic.
I've heard Pisano (sp?) is good, but cant verify.
Lous is a tiny bit thinner than the rest and they usually takes about 30 minutes to get it to the table where the rest will have you waiting about 40-45 before it hits the table.
If I were getting a dog I'd go to Byrons.
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All good advice. Go near your hotel and keep your eyes open.
What University and where are you staying?
What University and where are you staying?
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Deep dish is meh but if you are in Chicago, you need to try it so that you can quash that myth for yourself. All good advice here as to where not to get mediocre deep dish pizza (yes, there are even worse ones than the best known ones).
I would skip Portillo's or Giordano's. There was time when they were OK but now it's just chain food. Maximize your time in Chicago on something you can't get elsewhere.
I would skip Portillo's or Giordano's. There was time when they were OK but now it's just chain food. Maximize your time in Chicago on something you can't get elsewhere.
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Highboy
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