Deep-Dish Pizza Crawl
The rite-of-passage tasting of Chicago-style deep-dish across the classic pizzerias.
The call
Worth it if you are traveling with kids and you are traveling as a couple.
Why
- 01
Deep-dish is a genuine Chicago rite, but the honest insider move is a short, intentional pick order rather than a blind chain crawl.
Our read - 02
For the canonical butter-crust-and-sausage version go to Lou Malnati's; for the cult caramelized-cheese ring go to Pequod's in Lincoln Park; skip the Pizzeria Uno original unless you specifically want the touristy birthplace.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to Chicago
Worth doing once for the experience, even if locals favor thin crust.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Deep-Dish Pizza Crawl is an easy yes.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Deep-Dish Pizza Crawl is an easy yes.
You are traveling solo
Solo, Deep-Dish Pizza Crawl is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
Deep-Dish Pizza Crawl can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Deep-Dish Pizza Crawl only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You prefer local life to spectacle
Deep-Dish Pizza Crawl offers some local authenticity, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- $$ per person
- Timing
- Order ahead or arrive early, as deep-dish bakes can take 45 minutes.
- Booking
- Call ahead to pre-order pies and cut the long bake wait.
- Allow
- 1.5–2.5 hours
- Getting there
- Classic pizzerias are scattered citywide; several originals sit downtown.