Chicago is home to a wide variety of culinary treats and delightful snacks. And each food here meets the preferences of one resident or the other. However, the city is home to countless pizza places and restaurants. So, it’s not surprising for a Chicagoan to live his whole life without trying the best pizza in Chicago.
Today, we’re here to fix that by giving you a rundown of the best pizza places in the city.
First off, it’s not easy to judge your average pizza. There are tons of things to consider when tasting and savoring a slice. Is the dough tender or crispy? Is the sauce savory or bland?
These and tons of other questions come up when you try to rank different pizzas. However, for the benefit of our valuable readers, we went through all these parameters. The result is a list of the tastiest and juiciest pizzas that this great city has to offer!
Let’s get into it, shall we?
Coalfire
“Best Coal-fired Pizza in Chicago 2021”
With two distinct outlets in West Town and Lakeview, every Chicagoan has heard of Coalfire. So, if you live in the city and haven’t heard of it yet, here you go! Many pizza-lovers think thin-crusts are better because they have fewer calories and carbs. At Coalfire, you’ll find that they’re better because of the taste!
The stand-out feature of Coalfire’s pizzas is that each thin-crust emerges from coal-forged ovens. So, their pies come out charred for a smoky taste. Also, the crust can come out bubbling thanks to the 1500° oven that bakes these monsters.
If you’re at West Town, you can try the Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza or the Jalapeno Pepperoni. At Lakeview, make sure you go for the Meat Pizza at least once. Both outlets have a ‘Build A Pizza’ option where you can choose and combine the ingredients.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLwlb8SFO7e/
3707 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
1321 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Lou Malnati’s Pizza
“Best Deep-Dish Pizza in Chicago 2021”
If you’re ever around Wells St. and are craving a Pizza, Lou Malnati’s is the place to go. It’s a place that gives you the ambiance of a large pizzeria with the savory goodness of mouth-watering pizzas. Here at Lou Malnati’s, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
If there’s one item you have to try here, it’s their Deep Dish Pizza. With towering crusts and toppings of your choice, you can’t go wrong with this one. If you’re in a bigger group, getting a thin-crust pizza isn’t a bad idea either.
Of course, it’s not just the pizzas. Make sure you order their signature Malnati salad. It’s a heavenly bowl of salami, olives, Romano cheese, mushrooms, and the finest vinaigrette dressing!
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3958 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
1120 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
4340 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
1520 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
1235 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
3986 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
805 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
3859 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
410 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
6456 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
Dino’s Pizza
“Best New York-style Pizza in Chicago 2021”
If you crave the thin, hand-tossed crust characteristic of the New York-style, Dino’s Pizza is the place to be. Their delicious menu includes thin-crusts that come in a variety of styles. Also, they offer the most options in size too. So, you can get anything from a 10″ BLT Pizza to an 18″ BBQ Pizza.
We’ll leave it to you to go and decide which one tickles your taste buds the most. But for starters, we’d recommend trying their Stuffed Pizza which has Dino’s special recipe.
They also offer three varieties of buffets that are ideal for family and group visits. Again, you can try their all-you-can-eat/drink menu, which combines the best pizzas with refreshing beverages.
https://www.facebook.com/DinosPizzaChicago/posts/3923297671034204
Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe
“Best for Pizza Slices in Chicago 2021”
Sometimes you’re not in the mood for a whole pizza. Or you’re out alone and not all that hungry. Jimmy’s Café at Lincoln Square is ideal for those times when you want just that one slice. Also, it’s a great option if you’re going to try out samples of different pizzas in one stop.
As soon as you enter, the counter greets you with a consistent selection of thin-crusts. All you have to do is pick a pizza, and you can have a heated slice immediately. You can choose toppings that include pepperoni, cheese, or nice blobs of ricotta.
They’ll also offer you an excellent selection of condiments that include oregano, pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, etc. If you’re a New Yorker missing the pizzas at home, Dino’s and Jimmy’s are your best bet in Chicago.
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Spacca Napoli
“Best Authentic Italian Pizza in Chicago 2021”
Spacca Napoli is the ideal place in Chicago for authentic Italian pizza recipes and al fresco dining. They offer you ‘Your third place,’ where you escape when you don’t want to be at work or home. And it’s truly an escape worth going to.
Napoli’s menu boasts of Italian classics like Margherita, Enzo, and the Sorrentina. Each pizza recipe comes with fresh veggies, cheese, and sausages that celebrate the Mediterranean palette.
However, they do have a strict reservation policy. So, make sure you call or book ahead before taking your date there. That aside, Napoli has the best pizza in Chicago as far as authentic Italian recipes go.
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Pat’s Pizza
“Best Variety of Menu Pizza in Chicago 2021”
If you want a pizza place that also offers a variety of menu, Pat’s Pizza is an excellent choice. With more than a dozen pizza recipes, there’s one for every pizza-fan out there. But it’s the rich diversity of the other items that make it an excellent pizzeria.
You can go for the Hawaiian Thin-Crust that comes with Canadian bacon. Or, you can try the Pesto Chicken Pizza if you don’t want red meat. And their wide selection of salads, snacks, desserts, pasta, entrees, and appetizers is sure to win anyone’s heart.
It’s an excellent pizza place if you have someone in the group who doesn’t like pizzas. When it comes to Pat’s menu, there’s one for every kind!
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Paulie Gee’s
“Best Detroit-style Pizza in Chicago 2021”
Detroit-style pizzas are famous because of their shape and texture. These pizzas come as rectangular pies with crispy crusts. So, if you’re ever craving those chewy edges with a cheesy interior, go to Paulie Gees.
The most famous pizza at Paulie Gee’s is undoubtedly the ‘Logan Square’. It’s a densely cheesy pizza with caramelized crusts. Added to this crust is a cold tomato sauce and some cheddar to finish off the recipe. The owners admit that the current recipe is a result of a lot of experimentation.
The preparation alone takes multiple varieties of flour and over four hours to rise. With that kind of dedication, you know it’s going to be good!
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Piece Brewery and Pizzeria
“Best New Haven-style Pizza in Chicago 2021”
If you’re out with some friends for some pizza and beer, Piece is the place to go. It’s a place where the beer flows freely, and the pizza is oh-so-hot and crispy. With this fun combination, they promise hours of fun and relaxation for any adult.
The Piece is a pizzeria known primarily for its New Haven-style pizzas. So, you can expect those classic thin-crusts, charred and baked to perfection. Each slice goes hand-in-hand with a pint of your favorite beer.
With their signature style, you can expect a lot of olive oil and extra red sauce. Also, you can personalize each order by adding your favorite toppings to any base. The pizzeria is large enough for big crowds to sit apart. But you may have to wait if you go during peak hours.
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Pizza Friendly Pizza
“Best Coziest Pizza Place in Chicago 2021”
If you’re ever strolling down N. Western Avenue, make sure you check out Pizza Friendly Pizza. The entrance is slightly obscure, so it’s easy to miss. But if you walk down the alley off Cortez Street, you’ll find access to the coziest pizza place in the city.
Rock & Roll themes inspire the Pizza Friendly Pizza’s ambiance. But you’ll find a touch of both industrial and rustic notes. Surrounded by brick walls and dark coffee tables, it’s probably the most peaceful corner in the city.
Of course, their pizzas aren’t too bad either. You can go for ‘The Supreme’ or ‘The Sausage’ if you’re in the mood for some calories. If you want to try a more novel recipe, go for the Clam and Guanciale. It comes with fresh basil and smoked burrata.
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Labriola Ristorante and Cafe
“Best Classiest Pizza Place in Chicago 2021”
Pizza joints usually come as eateries, cafes, or traditional pizzerias. But the Labriola Ristorante and Café take it the other way. Here, you’re all about the class and style as you wine and dine. They usually stay occupied with bookings and events. But on other days, make sure you step in for their world-class pizzas.
Each house pizza comes with Ciabatta dough and extra-virgin olive oil. They source local meats, import their tomatoes, and add the best cheese to the mix. On the other hand, their thin-crusts come with crispy crusts and rich sauces. The resulting pizzas are each a culinary masterpiece.
If you’re on the fence about which ones to try first, here are our recommendations. Try the Salsiccia on the artisan menu. And start with Richie’s Italian Beef on the Chicago Thin-crust Menu.
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Vito and Nick’s
“Best Thin-crust Pizza in Chicago 2021”
Vito and Nick’s, Vito Barraco, had his first tavern back in the 1920s. Thus, the family was in the food business when Al Capone was still walking the streets of Chicago. Joined by his son, Nick, this establishment offers the best thin-crust pizzas in the city today.
Their pizzas come with genuine Sicilian-style preparation and classic tomato sauce. Moreover, the cheese is pure, and the sausage comes seasoned to perfection. Finally, all these ingredients sit on the special dough, whose recipe is a family secret.
Vito and Nick’s thin-crust pizza is one of the most recognizable food items in the south city. You get to choose between cheese and sausage as primary options. However, you can also pick additional ingredients.
They also offer premium options in Sliced Beef, Ground Beef, and Shrimp.
If you’re not in the mood for pizzas, try one of their specialty sandwiches.
The V&N Steak Sandwich and Anthony’s Bird are all-time local favorites! But we encourage you not to miss out on what many consider the best pizza in Chicago.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLVIHX9hhYC/
9644 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills, IL 60457
8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652
Phil’s Pizza
“Best Pizza Toppings in Chicago 2021”
When it comes to pizzas, toppings are among the most vital ingredients. Even with the best crust or cheese, the wrong toppings can ruin an excellent pie. At Phil’s Pizza, they seem to get it right every time.
First off, they offer some of the best selections of specialty pizzas. These house-specials include ‘No Self Respect.’ As the name suggests, this pizza comes loaded with greasy goodness. The ‘Phil’s Special’ is a favorite for anyone who enjoys a healthy balance of meat and veggies.
However, it’s the choice of toppings that gives Phil’s Pizza the upper hand. You’ll find everything from Canadian bacon and Sausage to Sliced Beef and Shrimp. Also, the veggie options can go from mushrooms and tomatoes to Spinach and peppers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKtThUnJF3_/
1102 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
5800 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
Bonci Pizzeria
“Most organic Pizzas in Chicago 2021”
Most people associate organic food with good health but bad tastes. At Bonci Pizzeria, you get both benefits from every pizza. The pizzeria is known for using the freshest and most nutritious ingredients in all its recipes. Hence, their tagline, ‘Simply Natural’, summarizes their approach to food and dining.
The unique thing about Bonci’s menu is that it keeps changing. Since their ingredients come from seasonal produce, their menu also adapts to this practice. So, you can never predict what to expect when you step inside Bonci’s Pizzeria.
However, all their pizzas come with the most organic veggies and meat supplies. So, if you’re big on natural nutrition, this one’s an accessible destination.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9waWDfDAFX/
Final Note
Few other foods combine the flavors of dough, meat, and vegetables as well as pizzas. Regardless of age and preference, everyone craves a good pizza once in a while. But if you live in a city like Chicago, finding excellent pizza joints can be tricky.
To that end, we’ve put together this list of the best pizza in Chicago under different parameters. So, we hope you find the time to savor each place and try the best pizzas that our great city has to offer!
