Slice, Slice Baby: Chicago Pizza to Try Right Now
Gino’s East
If you’re an outsider visiting Chicago, you probably know about all the tourist attractions our city has to offer. From the Navy Pier and The Bean at Millennium Park, to the Skydeck at Willis (Sears) Tower and the Magnificent Mile, there’s no doubt Chicago has a bit of everything. But the one thing that is undoubtedly at the top of every tourist's list is the desire to get their hands on a Chicago style, deep-dish pizza. And don’t be fooled, us Chicagoans love our pizza (maybe even more than the tourists). Whether you are here for the weekend or have been here for the last 10 years, we’ve compiled a list of the best pizza spots in town. Some are deep dish, some are a crispy thin crust, and some are deliciously in between. There’s a slice for everyone here!
Gino's East {multiple locations}
If you want classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza, there’s no place better than Gino's East. Gino’s is a Chicago-based chain that began in 1966 by two cab drivers and their friend, just steps away from the Magnificent Mile. Although there is still debate on who started the original deep dish, there’s no doubt Gino’s has some of the best. So if you’re in town, stop in and use your Dine-It-4ward Culinary Guide to order their large deep dish and get any 12 inch thin crust for free. Don’t forget to bring a pen (and write your initials on the wall) to leave your mark on this historic Chicago favorite.
Roots Pizza {multiple locations}
When you live in Chicago and pizza is practically one of your main food groups, there’s no doubt the same slices can get kind of repetitive. If you want something different, with amazing appetizers and unique pizza, try one of Roots Pizza’s several locations. They have pizza options like Joanna Stachon’s Pub Royale Pizza with Butter sauce (marinated chicken, ginger, curry, onions, paneer, methi, chili oil, lime and mozzarella) or Spicy Margherita Pizza (Tanteo Tequila-infused red pepper puree, sliced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, fresh mozzarella and basil), you really can’t go wrong.
Stix n Brix
Stix n Brix Wood Fired Pizza {218 West 33rd Street, Chicago; 312.265.0219}
After years of having deep dish pizza, having options like Stix n Brix for good wood-fired pizza was like a breath of fresh air. Located in the heart of Armour Square just two blocks north of Guaranteed Rate Field (home of White Sox) this pizza joint doesn’t disappoint. Not only do they offer really good pizza options like Pesto Buratta, but they also have other non-pizza options like Veggie Paninis with hummus, zucchini, arugula, red peppers, red onions, avocado, tomatoes and mozzarella. Stop in after a Sox game and use your Dine-It-4ward Culinary Guide to buy one pizza, get one free.
Labriola Chicago {535 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.955.3100}
Labriola is an awesome breakfast-to-dinner cafe with baked goods and an Italian-focused dinner and lunch menu that includes items such as sandwiches and pizza. Start off your dinner with the Whipped Ricotta appetizer and use your Dine-It-4ward Culinary Guide to get buy-one-get-one-free on their pizzas like the Dante Margherita with organic tomatoes, sharp sheep's milk cheese, and fresh oregano or their Salsiccia Pizza with garlic cream, smoked buffalo mozzarella, caramelized onions, crumbled sausage, baby kale and calabrian chili.
etta {multiple locations}
Visit one of etta’s two Chicago locations to get a taste of their amazing wood fired pizzas. From their warm environment with an open kitchen design, to their delicious crave-worthy pizza and warm focaccia, you can’t go wrong with this spot. While you’re there, make sure to get a few pizzas to share! We recommend their Wild Mushroom Pizza, their Brussel Sprouts and Jimmy Nardello's Pizza with bacon lardon, calabrian honey and grana padano. Trust us, you’ll want to try more than one!
Bar Siena
Bar Siena {832 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.492.7775}
Bar Siena, inspired by the quaint but energetic bars in Italy, brings the same casual and lively feel to the West Loop. Smaller than its sister restaurant, Siena Tavern, this hot spot has a more casual vibe, complete with a large mosaic tile pizza oven that bears the name “Bella,” and was handmade and imported from Italy. If you’re in the neighborhood stop in and order the Fig and Prosciutto Pizza with stracciatella, fontina and arugula.
Quartino Ristorante {626 North State Street, Chicago; 312.698.5000}
Quartino was one of the first restaurants I ever tried when I moved to this city nearly seven years ago, and I have to say, it left an impact. You can never go wrong with this bustling downtown eatery located on State Street. With a vintage feel that makes you feel like you are at home, and food that is to die for, you’ll never want to leave. You have to try the Campania Neapolitan Pizza and the Stefano Neapolitan Pizza… You can thank us later ;)
Bungalow by Middle Brow Brewery {2840 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago}
Unlike most other breweries in Chicagoland that have dim lighting, only serve food after 5PM and offer a mix of greasy bar food and beer, Middle Brow Brewery is airy and light and offers a concise menu of housemade breads in addition to pizzas and beer. Take your friends for a night out to this Logan Square gem and make sure to try their pizza. With a bubbly, light crust and just the right amount of toppings, no matter what you get, you can’t go wrong. For first timers, try their Potato and Leek Pizza with creamy leek sauce with italico cheese, purple potatoes, topped with whipped lemon farm cheese and rosemary.
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent