Chicago’s pizza scene extends far beyond the famous names that tourists flock to. Hidden throughout the city are incredible pizzerias serving up pies that can go toe-to-toe with the legendary spots. These under-the-radar establishments offer unique takes on both deep dish and thin crust that locals treasure. Ready to discover some amazing pizza without the two-hour wait?
1. Pizza Capri
Family-owned since 1989, Pizza Capri in Lake View flies under the radar despite serving some of the city’s most consistently excellent pies. Unlike places that specialize in just one style, this neighborhood favorite nails both thin crust and deep dish with equal skill.
Fresh ingredients elevate every bite – from the herb-infused sauce to the house-made Italian sausage crumbled generously across the surface. The spinach-stuffed deep dish deserves special mention, with its garlicky creamed spinach layer that complements the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
Locals appreciate the no-fuss counter service and reasonable prices, making this a regular weeknight stop rather than just a special occasion destination.
2. Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
Housed in a historic brownstone near Lincoln Park, this quirky establishment serves a pizza experience you won’t find anywhere else. The signature “pizza pot pie” turns traditional pizza inside-out – literally – with the crust draped over a bowl of bubbling sauce, cheese, and toppings.
When served, your waiter dramatically flips the bowl, revealing a dome of dough filled with molten goodness. The triple-raised Sicilian dough creates a light yet substantial base that soaks up the Mediterranean-style sauce without getting soggy.
History buffs will appreciate that the building once served as a lookout for Al Capone’s gangsters during the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, adding a side of Chicago lore to your meal.
3. The Art of Pizza
Don’t judge a pizzeria by its storefront. This modest Lakeview establishment might look unassuming, but it consistently earns top marks from local food critics for its perfectly executed deep dish.
The secret lies in their cornmeal-dusted crust – slightly sweet with a satisfying crunch that stands up to the weight of toppings without becoming a soggy mess. Owner Art Shabez perfected his recipes through decades of experimentation, creating a sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and acidity.
Unlike tourist-focused spots, The Art of Pizza offers deep dish by the slice, allowing newcomers to sample different varieties without committing to an entire pie – a rarity in the deep dish world.
4. Milly’s Pizza in the Pan
Tucked away in Lincoln Park, this take-out-only gem has pizza lovers lining up for something special. The caramelized cheese crust creates a nutty, crispy edge that’ll make you forget about the big-name spots.
Owner Robert Maleski named the place after his grandmother, bringing family recipes to life with seasonal ingredients and thoughtful combinations. Each pan pizza is made to order and features a focaccia-like base that supports generous toppings without becoming soggy.
Pro tip: Order the “Updog” with ricotta, hot honey, and cup-and-char pepperoni for a sweet-savory experience that’ll change your pizza standards forever.
5. Piece Pizzeria and Brewery
Rock music fills the air at this Wicker Park hotspot where New Haven-style pizza meets craft brewing. Founded by Bill Jacobs with assistance from New Haven pizza royalty, Piece brings Connecticut’s famous coal-fired thin crust to the Midwest with spectacular results.
The crust achieves that magical combination of crispy exterior and chewy interior, with characteristic charred spots from the intense heat. Red pizza comes with tomato sauce but no mozzarella (just like in New Haven), while white pies feature olive oil, garlic, and cheese – both providing the perfect canvas for high-quality toppings.
Grab a house-brewed Golden Arm Kolsch to complement your pie while watching Chicago sports on the numerous TVs.
6. Marie’s Pizza & Liquors
Stepping into Marie’s is like time-traveling to 1940s Chicago. This Albany Park institution hasn’t changed much since opening its doors in 1940, complete with vintage neon signs, wood paneling, and red vinyl booths.
The tavern-style thin crust pizza represents old-school Chicago – cut into squares rather than triangles (what locals call “party cut”) with a cracker-thin base that somehow supports generous toppings without flopping. The sausage is particularly noteworthy – handmade daily with a secret blend of spices that hasn’t changed in decades.
True to its name, Marie’s also houses a liquor store, allowing diners to grab a bottle of wine or spirits on their way out – a charming holdover from post-Prohibition business models.
7. Dante’s Pizzeria
Heavy metal music and horror-movie aesthetics create the perfect backdrop for some seriously heavenly pizza at this Logan Square punk rock pizzeria. Named after the Italian poet who wrote about the nine circles of Hell, Dante’s serves massive 20-inch New York-style pies with attitude.
The dough undergoes a 48-hour fermentation process, creating complex flavors and a perfect texture that manages to be both sturdy and foldable. Their “Inferno” pizza lives up to its name with ghost pepper sauce, spicy soppressata, and fresh jalapeños – a fiery challenge for heat-seekers.
Late-night hours make this a favorite among industry workers and night owls seeking quality slices when most kitchens have closed.
8. Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company
Perched along the Chicago River in Streeterville, Robert’s brings artisanal craftsmanship to pizza-making. Owner Robert Garvey spent years perfecting his dough recipe – a unique blend that ferments for three days, creating exceptional flavor and a distinctive texture.
The crust emerges from the oven with a satisfying chew surrounded by a light, airy edge with beautiful bubble structure. Seasonal ingredients shine in creative combinations like the “Slagel Farms Beef” with braised short rib, caramelized onion, and horseradish cream.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning river views, making this a perfect spot to introduce out-of-town visitors to Chicago’s pizza diversity beyond the typical tourist spots.
9. George’s Deep Dish
From pop-up to cult favorite, George’s represents the new wave of Chicago pizza innovation. Owner George Bumbaris, a former IT professional turned pizza obsessive, spent years developing a unique style that bridges the gap between deep dish and focaccia.
The rectangular pies feature a thick, olive oil-enriched crust with a crispy exterior and airy interior. Unlike traditional deep dish, George’s places cheese directly on the dough, followed by toppings and finally sauce, creating a different flavor progression with each bite.
Currently operating as a pick-up only spot in Edgewater, ordering requires planning ahead – pies often sell out days in advance, with devoted fans setting calendar reminders for the weekly order release.
10. Burt’s Place
Rising from the ashes like a pizza phoenix, Burt’s Place in Morton Grove continues the legacy of pizza legend Burt Katz. The revival came after devoted fans couldn’t bear to see this institution disappear following Burt’s passing.
What makes these pies extraordinary is the signature caramelized crust – a dark, almost blackened ring of cheese that creates a sweet-savory crunch unlike anything else. The interior remains perfectly tender while supporting a generous layer of Wisconsin brick cheese and made-from-scratch sauce.
Faithful to Burt’s original recipes, this suburban treasure is worth the trek for serious pizza pilgrims seeking authentic Chicago-style pan pizza.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
