FOODITOR’S TOP FIVE THICK PIZZAS IN CHICAGO:

1. Lou Malnati’s
2. Bartoli’s Pizzeria
3. Pequod’s Pizzeria
4. The Art of Pizza
5. Louisa’s Pizza & Pasta

FOODITOR’S CURATED LIST OF THE BEST THICK PIZZAS IN CHICAGO:

NORTH

The Art of Pizza— Strip mall pizza spot acclaimed for imposingly large, brightly spiced stuffed pizza, spinach recommended; pan and thin crust are serviceable.

Bartoli’s Pizzeria— A family with ties to the original Gino’s East started this family-run pizzeria doing freshly made stuffed and cracker-thin crust pizzas.

Lou Malnati’s— Local chain located all over the city and near north suburbs, tracing its recipe back to the original Pizzeria Uno where the late Lou’s father Rudy worked—and may have created Chicago deep dish’s biscuity crust/crushed tomatoes on top paradigm.

Pizano’s Pizza— The other Malnati brother (Rudy Jr.) started this similar local chain with crunchy-crusted deep dish and thin pizzas. Original State location has a great Rat Pack vibe, the rest are modern sports bar-feeling.

Toni’s Pizza & Organic Pasta— Little-known neighborhood secret in the River West area, with thin and deep dish pizza, subs and organic pastas.

SOUTH

Louisa’s Pizza & Pasta— A former Pizzeria Due waitress launched this south suburban staple making a nice, not-too-gut-bomby deep dish pizza in the old style; stick to the pizza side of “Pizza & Pasta.”

Milano’s Pizza & Specialties— Old school, take out only deep dish and cracker crust pizza place in Morgan Park on the South Side.

Ricobene’s— Former walk-up stand turned family restaurant serves as de facto city worker cafeteria, with its hearty offerings like breaded steak sandwiches and perhaps the most impressive lunchtime pizza buffet in town.

List compiled 8/28/15 by Michael Gebert.