You can’t talk about Chicagoland food culture without bringing up deep dish pizza. It’s thick. It’s cheesy. It’s practically a casserole. And in the Oak Park area, you don’t have to venture into the city to get a truly excellent slice.
While downtown Chicago might get all the press, plenty of local spots just due west of the city are slinging pies that hold their own—and then some. Whether you're a lifelong local or just visiting, these deep dish destinations will satisfy your craving for gooey, sauce-topped perfection.
What Is Deep Dish Pizza, Anyway?
Deep dish pizza isn’t just a thicker version of regular pizza—it’s an entirely different experience. Baked in a tall, round pan that resembles a cake tin, deep dish starts with a buttery, flaky crust that rises up the sides like a savory bowl. From there, it’s all about the layers: melty mozzarella cheese goes in first, followed by your favorite toppings (sausage is a classic), and finally a hearty layer of crushed tomato sauce on top.
The result? A piping-hot pie that’s knife-and-fork worthy, rich in flavor, and indulgent in all the best ways. The crust stays crisp and golden while the cheese stretches for miles and the sauce brings everything together with bold, tangy depth.
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Oak Park
Giordano’s | Oak Park & Westchester
There’s deep dish, and then there’s Giordano’s. Since 1974, this Chicago staple has been serving its signature stuffed pizza—an ultra-cheesy, double-crusted pie so rich you’ll need a fork, a napkin, and maybe a friend to share. The Oak Park and Westchester locations bring all that legendary flavor closer to home, with the same flaky crust, layers of mozzarella, and bright tomato sauce that made them famous. Craving variety? You’ll also find thin crust tavern-style pizza, hearty pastas, and classic Italian sandwiches.
Bonus: if you’ve got out-of-town friends who don’t believe Chicago deep dish is worth the hype, you can literally ship them one.
Lou Malnati’s – Oak Park & Broadview
If you know, you know—and if you don’t, it’s time to change that. Lou Malnati’s is a deep-dish institution, famous for its golden Buttercrust™, rich tomato sauce, and a sausage blend so good it hasn’t changed in decades. The Oak Park and Broadview locations bring this Chicago original within easy reach, with dine-in, carry-out, and delivery options for your next pizza night. They’ve also got gluten-free deep dish, wings, salads, pastas, and even dessert, because Lou doesn’t mess around when it comes to full-on comfort food.
Pro tip: Want to level up your order? Add that buttery crust for just $0.99 (Lou would want you to).
Salerno’s
Yes, Salerno’s does deep dish—and they do it right. Their 14-inch Chicago-style deep dish comes stacked with gooey cheese, your favorite fillings, and rich tomato sauce, all cradled in a thick, pan-baked crust. It takes 35 minutes to make, but trust us, it’s worth every second. Not in the mood to wait? Salerno’s also serves up double dough, thin crust, and a lineup of specialty pizzas that hold their own. And if you’re looking to round out your order with another Chicago classic, don’t sleep on the Baked Mostaccioli.