Deep Dish Pizzas In Chicago Taverns Worth The Drive

Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza, and the best ones often hide in neighborhood taverns where locals gather. These aren’t fancy restaurants with white tablecloths, just honest spots serving up thick, cheesy slices that make the trip worthwhile.

I’ve tracked down 11 tavern gems across the city where you can find authentic deep dish that’ll change how you think about pizza.

1. Pequod’s Pizza

When you bite into a slice here, that caramelized crust along the edges hits differently than anywhere else. The cheese gets baked right into the sides of the pan, creating this crispy, almost burnt layer that pizza lovers dream about.

Located in Lincoln Park, this tavern has been perfecting their technique since the 1970s. You’ll wait for your pizza because they make each one fresh, but watching other tables dig in makes the time fly.

Order the classic sausage if you want the full experience.

2. Burt’s Place

Burt Katz learned his craft at the original Pequod’s before opening his own place in Morton Grove. His pies carry that same legendary quality, with a crust that balances crispy and tender perfectly.

The atmosphere feels like eating in someone’s cozy living room rather than a restaurant. Burt himself often greets customers, sharing stories about pizza-making while your order bakes in the kitchen.

Cash only here, so hit the ATM before you arrive for this suburban treasure.

3. My Pi Pizza

This family-run tavern in Lincoln Square serves up pies that remind you why deep dish became famous in the first place. Every ingredient tastes fresh, from the tangy tomato sauce to the stretchy mozzarella that pulls when you lift a slice.

The owners take pride in using quality toppings without skimping on portions. Their medium size easily feeds three hungry people, making it great value for your money.

Try their spinach and mushroom combination for something beyond the usual meat options.

4. Pat’s Pizza & Ristorante

Pat Bruno opened this spot back in 1950, and his recipes still guide the kitchen today. Walking in feels like stepping back to when taverns were neighborhood gathering spots where everyone knew your name.

Their sausage comes in big, flavorful chunks rather than crumbles, giving you substantial bites of meat throughout. The sauce has a slight sweetness that balances the savory cheese and crust beautifully.

Locals pack this place on weekends, so calling ahead saves you waiting time.

5. Barnaby’s of Northbrook

Head north to Northbrook and you’ll discover this tavern chain that started in 1973. Their thin crust gets attention, but the deep dish deserves equal respect for its buttery, flaky crust that crumbles just right.

The sauce tastes bright and fresh, never too heavy or overpowering. They load each pizza generously, so even picky eaters find something to love in every slice.

Their lunch specials make trying deep dish affordable if you’re watching your budget carefully.

6. Labriola Chicago

Rich Labriola brings his bakery expertise to this Streeterville tavern, and you taste it immediately in the crust. That foundation makes or breaks deep dish, and here it provides the sturdy base needed for all those toppings.

They source ingredients carefully, using Italian sausage with the right spice blend and tomatoes that taste like summer. The cheese melts into creamy perfection without becoming greasy or overwhelming.

Ask your server about seasonal specials that showcase fresh vegetables from local markets.

7. Gino’s East River North

Sure, Gino’s has multiple locations now, but their River North tavern spot keeps that original neighborhood vibe alive. The cornmeal crust gives their deep dish a unique texture that crunches differently than butter-based versions.

Walls covered in customer graffiti create a fun, casual atmosphere where kids can draw while waiting. Their sauce comes chunky with visible tomato pieces, giving you bursts of fresh flavor throughout each bite.

Split a pizza and salad because these pies fill you up fast.

8. Coalfire Pizza

While most deep dish comes from regular ovens, Coalfire uses coal-fired heat that adds smoky depth to their version. This West Town tavern puts a creative spin on the classic style without losing what makes it special.

The high heat creates little char bubbles on the cheese that add texture and flavor complexity. They keep the menu focused, doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering endless options.

Beer selection here pairs wonderfully with the rich, hearty pizza they serve.

9. Lou Malnati’s Lincolnwood

Lou Malnati’s has been a Chicago institution since 1971, and their Lincolnwood location captures that perfect tavern vibe. The crust here uses a secret buttercrust recipe that makes every bite flaky and rich, almost like biting into a savory pastry.

What sets this spot apart is how the cheese goes directly on the dough, followed by toppings, then finished with chunky tomato sauce on top. This reverse layering keeps everything from getting soggy. Locals swear by the sausage option, where the meat is laid out in a full patty layer rather than crumbled pieces.

The atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, with families and friends gathering around wooden booths. Service is friendly and fast, even during busy weekend nights when the place fills up quickly.

10. Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta on Madison

Founded by Rudy Malnati Jr., son of the man who helped create Chicago’s deep dish legacy, Pizano’s serves up tradition with every slice. Their Madison Street tavern location has that old-school Chicago charm, complete with dim lighting and sports memorabilia covering the walls.

The pizza here features a thinner deep dish style than some competitors, making it easier to finish a whole pie without feeling overstuffed. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully over Italian sausage, peppers, and mushrooms. The sauce has a slightly sweet note that balances perfectly with the savory toppings.

Regulars appreciate the reasonable prices and generous portions. Staff treats everyone like neighborhood friends, remembering orders and asking about your day while you wait for your pizza to bake.

11. Giordano’s on Rush Street

Giordano’s takes deep dish to another level with their famous stuffed pizza, where two layers of flaky crust sandwich an incredible amount of cheese and toppings. The Rush Street location sits in a lively neighborhood, making it a perfect stop after exploring downtown Chicago.

What makes this place special is the sheer amount of cheese—nearly a pound goes into each pizza. The top crust gets brushed with butter and bakes until golden brown, creating a satisfying crunch. Spinach and mushroom is a popular combination, though the classic sausage never disappoints.

Plan for a 45-minute wait since these thick pies need time to bake properly. The tavern atmosphere keeps things casual and fun, with a full bar serving cold beer that pairs wonderfully with hot, cheesy pizza.