5 Outstanding Pizza Places in Chicago You Must Try

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I may be a bit biased, but here in Chicago we’ve got a real knack for food and there is no exception when it comes to pizza.

We take it very, very seriously.

Are you on the hunt for classic Chicago style pizza? Thin crust? Neapolitan?

You really can have it all. We’re highlighting 5 of the best pizza places in Chicago that will appeal to a wide variety of pizza lovers!

Whether you’re in town for a day or a weekend be sure to stop by one of these Chicago pizza places for a sensational culinary experience. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Chicago!

5 Outstanding Pizza Places in Chicago

1. Gino’s East Pizza

If it’s your first time visiting Chicago, Gino’s East is a great place to go to experience what Chicago deep dish pizza is all about.

You’re in for a real treat if you’ve never tasted cornmeal crust.

We Chicagoan’s can all agree that having a solid cornmeal crust is part of what makes deep dish pizza so dang good.

Gino’s is a classic, famous Chicago pizza restaurant with 8 other locations across the Chicagoland area!

Their pizza is consistently delicious and makes for the perfect place to kick back after a day exploring Grant Park or The Art Institute.

The pizzeria is easily accessible on foot to their South Loop location from the park.

Many people will tell you Gino’s East is where you go for the best deep dish pizza in Chicago. It’s a solid choice, however it isn’t my favorite.

Gino’s East: 521 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605

2. Pequod’s Pizza aka where to get the “REAL” best deep dish in Chicago

I’ve lived in Chicago for nearly 10 years and have eaten at (more than I’d like to admit) many pizza restaurants specializing in deep dish pizza, and there is no better place than Pequod’s!

Trust me on this one.

The tomato sauce is perfection, toppings are plentiful and I’ll tell you there is something so wonderful about the perfect amount of crunch to their golden crust.

Venture out to the Lincoln Park neighborhood for lunch or dinner at Pequod’s Pizza.

A word of warning: deep dish pizza takes around 40 minutes to cook so order one of their fabulous apps like the jalapeno poppers or a salad to hold you over until the pizza is ready.

Pequod’s Pizza: 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago IL 60614

3. Spacca Napoli Pizzeria

In the heart of Ravenswood you’ll discover Spacca Napoli which specializes in Neapolitan style pizza.

Step inside and you’ll instantly feel as if you’ve been transported into an Italian grandmother’s home in Italy.

The aromas, the art, the carefully selected ingredients, wine and music selection create the perfect setting for your Neapolitan meal.

For starters I’m absolutely head over heels for the caprese with buffalo mozzarella and my go to pizza order is always the Capricciosa pizza with tomatoes, black olives, mushrooms and artichokes. Yum!

Spacca Napoli: 1769 W. Sunnyside Ave. Chicago, IL

4. Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe

I realize not everyone gets excited about deep dish pizza, and that is totally okay.

How many people do you know would turn down New York style pizza? Not one? My thoughts exactly.

That’s where Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe in Lincoln Square comes in.

Maybe it’s a bit crazy I’m recommending a New York style pizza joint in Chicago but I strongly feel it would be a sin if I didn’t, because frankly this place is phenomenal.

At this casual eatery you can order pizza by the slice or a whole pie.

I like to keep it classic at Jimmy’s and order plain cheese or pepperoni, with a side of garlic knots. They also make really great beignets too!

Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe: 5159 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

5. Happy Camper Chicago

For a trendy pizza joint one must pay a visit to Happy Camper in Old Town.

Inside you’ll be wowed by the creativity of this place. Old school campers converted into seating, a bullet bar, and a neon sign of the great lakes. It’s the coolest!

Happy Camper serves fabulous cocktails and of course they make some killer pizza pizza!

The menu is extensive with nearly 30 different creations to choose from, or you can create your own.

My favorite is the the Dime Piece topped with chicken, jalapenos, cream cheese, chili flakes, garlic and olive oil.

Luckily they are open for lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends. Bonus! They are open until 3 am for late night pizza on the weekends.

Hot Tip:

If your order their hangover iced coffee at brunch it may come with a donut on the side.

You can definitely count on having a great time at this Chicago pizza restaurant.

Happy Camper: 1209 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

I hope you enjoyed this round up of some of the best pizza places in Chicago, its a great jumping off point for getting to know good Chicago pizza.

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Any burning Chicago pizza questions or comments? Tell us below!