Chicago Deep Dish

The single best pizza I've ever had in my life came from Giordano's (though not that particular location), so I would definitely give that option a thumbs up!

Walk into any non-chain bar and ask a bartender- they ALWAYS know. Avoid places you've heard of.

Gino's east is good and you can write on almost anything in the building. There is also Connie's which is awesome.

Giordano's on Rush street A+

There are really two distinct versions of "Chicago style pizza", both have merits. We'll leave aside the Chicago style thin crust sliced in squares which isn't worthy of a post.

The original deep dish style was created at Pizzeria Uno (later added Due across the street), and is also found at Gino's East, Lou Malnatti's and others. Uno and/or Lou Malnatti's are still the best. Due across the street from Uno never seemed as nice though it's a tad bigger. Gino's East is no longer as good as days past. Uno/Due remain pretty close to their prime. Lou Malnatti's on South State (somewhat near to the Field Museum) will be much easier to grab a table vs Uno/Due or the faded Gino's East.

The later arrival, stuffed pizza, includes the extra layer of dough on top below the sauce but above cheese etc. Giordano's and Bacino’s are prime examples of this style. Bacino’s trumps Giordano's. Bella Bacino is just west of Michigan Ave on the river. Giordano's suffered after a protracted bankruptcy mess, now in the hands of Victory Park Capital who are looking to grow like mad to get their $60 million out. I'm not always sure you need the extra dough, but....

There's some really good thin crust scattered about: New Haven style at Piece (and Gentrification Ale) or whatever the flavor of the day is at tiny Great Lake, but these are a bit off your path and not what most are looking for in terms of Chicago pizza. 30+ yrs in Chicago taught me a bit about pizza.

^^ +10000

Bam2 summed it very, very well. I used to love Giordano's, but on my last trip to the Windy City I died and went to deep dish heaven at Bella Bacino.

I've had Giordano's and Gino's East and found both to be very good. However, on my last visit to Giordano's, I took a doggy bag back to my hotel room with a couple slices in it, and on the way gave it to a homeless man who was asking for money. He looked in the bag at the pizza and replied, "AW MAN!!", with a very disappointed look on his face. I can only summize that he would have preferred Gino's East. ;)

Bam2, thanks for the advice! Not sure I am all that thrilled about "stuffed" pie. The thick bottom crust seems like it would be enough dough for us. I did see on Google maps that Lou Malnati's is off Michigan so that may be the place to go.

All good. Gino's east seems to always have more tables available without waiting...especially on a weekend...and as good as all the others

Lou Malnati's has always been my favorite. I always pick up their pre made frozen ones to bring home with me. They are great.

I've only been to Gino's east. It wasn't amazing. I've always wanted to try Giordano's.

Edwardo's on S. Dearborn street is my favorite. I enjoyed it a lot more than Giordano's (which has excellent pizza too).

I ate at Uno's once and wasn't impressed. I ate at Giordano's in Orlando, and loved it. I assumed it was the same as Chicago.

If you are going to Water Tower Place, then go to Gino's because it's walking distance in about 10 minutes. The quality of the pizza is good.

Connies!
http://www.conniespizza.com/