When it comes to pizza, we all know Chicago is a top contender. And although it is notoriously known for it’s delicious deep dish pizza, some locals have a different opinion about the best slice in the city. So we’re sharing some of the best pizza of Oak Park and the western suburbs so you can decide which reigns supreme as the true Chicago pizza - deep dish or a classic thin crust.
For those of you that haven’t had it (and we can tell you that you’re really, really missing out) a deep dish pizza is like a combination of a traditional pizza and a pie. It starts with a thick crust with high edges to contain all of the goodness that goes inside. Although some places may do this next part differently, the common order is to have crust, cheese (like mozzarella and parmesan) and fillings, topped with a layer of sauce. It’s hearty food that most Chicagoans know and love, but not something you can really grab as a ‘to go’ slice for carryout.
That’s why some locals say the true Chicago pizza is a classic Chicago thin crust. Unlike other pizzas that have an inch-thick crust that can sometimes be chewy in the middle, a Chicago thin crust pizza is much thinner, and has crispy, crunchy edges. And if it comes wrapped in white paper with grease marks that leak through the top (if you know you know), all the better. So whether you dine in, or order online and takeout, you’ve got to know where to go for pizza.
And after the crust argument has been (temporarily) settled, Chicagoans also debate how the pepperoni is cooked (grilled on top or tucked under the cheese), best ingredients for the meatballs and sausage toppings, plus who has the fastest pizza delivery.
Although there are countless pizza places in Chicago and among Oak Park restaurants, there are a few whose names are known well outside the city, and even nationwide.
Arguably one of the two most popular places for deep dish in Chicago, Giordano’s is a staple for everything ooey, gooey, and cheesy. This pizza restaurant originated in Chicago by brother Efren and Joseph Boglio in 1974, but has since expanded to over 65 locations throughout the country. Giordano's classic “stuffed” pizza (or deep dish pizza) has consistently been voted the best time after time. And with multiple locations in the western ring, it’s easier to decide for yourself.
The second of the big two for Chicagoans is Lou Malnati’s. If you think opinions about Sox vs Cubs are strong, then you may not have heard the diehards argue about Giordano's vs. ‘Lou Mals.’ Unlike Giordano’s, where the sauce comes on top of the pizza, Lou Malnati’s typically finishes off their deep dish with another helping of cheese. At the end of the day, both places make an incredible pie, but it’s the crust and sauce cheese ratio that you’ll have to judge for yourself.
Established in 1966, Salerno’s is another big family name in pizza in Chicago and is often considered one of the best pizzerias in town. Salerno’s offers a traditional pizza, or a classic Chicago-style thin crust. They also have an extensive menu of authentic Italian cuisine, like lasagna or meatballs, which means there’s plenty of options for delicious food. Although there are many locations, you can check out one right in Oak Park.
A family-owned business since 1964, Rosati’s pizza is a beloved Chicago staple. And when it comes to their pizza, they do it all. You can choose from a class Chicago deep dish, stuffed pizza, thin crust, or double-dough. If you’re looking for a one stop shop to decide your favorite type of slice, Rosati’s has you covered.
When it comes to a Chicago thin crust, go to Aurelio’s where they’ve made an art of delicious, flakey, thin crust pizza. Along with the other main contenders, they are one of the oldest pizza chains in Chicago dating back to 1974. And with a location in La Grange, you can easily add them to your list of pizza shops to try.
It’s one of the first places you see when you land at Midway Airport and there are locations throughout the city. Lucky for us, there’s one right here in Berwyn. A family-owned pizza business since 1947, Home Run Inn is another big name in pizza in Chicago and is known for a sweeter sauce and an incredibly flaky crust. A must try for any pizza lover in the area.
With seven locations throughout Chicago and the suburbs, Waldo Cooney’s serves up a great slice of pizza. You can try their original thin crust pizza, or Chicago-style stuffed pizza. Or get the best of both worlds and try one of each! With a location in Berwyn, there’s no reason not to.
Now that we’ve looked at some of the longstanding names in pizza, it’s time to talk about a few of the many local pizzerias that serve up a mean slice.
Di Nico’s calls itself the home of the stadium pizza. You know. The kind of pizza you get at the ballpark or a hockey game. They specialize in Chicago thin crust pizza and for the die-hard fans, you can even go extra thin crust at this place.
At The Original Old World Pizza in Elmwood Park, they want you to have options — and you get plenty of them. You can choose from a classic pizza, Old World deep dish, Old World stuffed, and their infamous double deck pie — featuring extra layers of cheesy goodness. A must try for everyone who visits.
Armand’s lets you choose between excellent pan or thin crust pizza. When it comes to which one to choose, there’s no wrong choice. They even take pizza to the next level by offering an Elmwood Park Combo pizza — topped with beef, sausage, and giardinera.
Jimmy’s Place is a local Italian restaurant in Forest Park that also serves up a mean pizza. And there’s no frills here. Just pizza done right. You can build your own pizza by adding any of the fresh ingredients from their list — including anchovies — to make a pizza that is just for you. Or maybe to share, but that’s your call.
Sometimes, you don’t need to be wined and dined — you just want a good slice. And Rocky's Pizza and Restaurant in Westchester has you covered. This laid back pizza joint serves up a classic pizza pie with your choice of toppings. Which means you get pizza your way. Loved by locals, Rocky’s is too good not to try.
So now that you’ve got the dish, it’s up to you to try for yourself. Be sure to let us know what you think! Deep dish or classic thin — what’s the true Chicago pizza?