A thick crust, overflowing cheese, and a rich tomato sauce spread generously on top! Entirely different from the thin-crust pizza we know, this is a fork-and-knife affair known as deep-dish pizza, born right here in Chicago. If you're traveling to this city, tasting the authentic pizza that holds the soul of Chicago isn't an option—it's a requirement.

For those of you wondering where to go among the countless pizzerias, WAUG has carefully selected the top three spots, each writing its own history of Chicago pizza with a unique charm. Are you ready to find the pizza of your life?


1. The Gold Standard of Chicago Deep-Dish: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

If you could only visit one pizzeria in Chicago, many locals and travelers would point you to Lou Malnati's without hesitation. It's a living history of Chicago deep-dish and boasts the most standard yet perfectly balanced flavor profile. The secret here is the "Buttercrust"! Made with butter, the crispy and savory crust is delicious to the very last bite. Another characteristic is the chunky tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes, which is placed on top of the cheese. Here, you can taste a masterpiece that is true to the basics, where all ingredients exist in perfect harmony.

Recommended Menu:
Malnati Chicago Classic, The "Lou"


2. The Cheese Bomb! "Stuffed Pizza" with Overwhelming Visuals: Giordano's

If you're a cheese lover who believes "the more cheese, the better," then you must head to Giordano's. This place is famous for its "Stuffed Pizza," which goes beyond typical deep-dish by stuffing a layer of cheese between two layers of dough. The moment you lift a slice and a waterfall of cheese cascades down is a magnificent sight to behold! You'll immediately understand why Giordano's dominates Instagram feeds. If you want to experience the thickest, cheesiest deep-dish pizza, Giordano's is definitely the answer.

Recommended Menu:
Chicago Classic Deep Dish, Special Stuffed Deep Dish


3. The Local Favorite, The Magic of the "Caramelized Crust": Pequod's Pizza

While the first two may be more famous among tourists, if you ask Chicagoans for their favorite pizza place, Pequod's Pizza is one of the names you'll hear most often. Their pizza is a pan-style deep-dish that has a unique charm, setting it apart from the others. The secret is its "caramelized crust"! Cheese is sprinkled around the edge of the pan during baking, creating a crispy, savory, and slightly charred perfect border. The harmony between the soft, rich pizza center and this crispy crust is addictively delicious. If you want a taste of what the real pizza connoisseurs love, you must visit.

Recommended Menu:
Pan Style Deep Dish Pizza (with your choice of toppings!)

WAUG's Tip: A Must-Read Before Ordering Chicago Pizza!
Chicago deep-dish pizza takes at least 40 to 50 minutes to bake after you order! To avoid getting hangry, the best pro-tip is to order your pizza as soon as you sit down. Enjoying a salad or an appetizer while you wait is also a great strategy.

Are you ready to pick up your fork and knife and taste the true soul of Chicago?