7 Deep Dish Pizza Spots In River North That Actually Deserve The Hype

You can fling out-of-towners in any direction in River North, and odds are they’ll land in front of a deep dish sign. But here’s the secret locals guard: not all pies are created equal. Some spots draw lines because the food lives up to the stories; others ride on reputation and taunt your cholesterol with every extra inch of crust. Here’s how to tell the difference—and where to go instead, according to anyone who’s ever defended deep dish in an airport argument. ## 1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria If deep dish is Chicago’s religion, Lou’s is the place people pilgrim to. Forget the myth that they invented the thing—what Lou Malnati’s actually did is perfect the buttery, almost pastry-like crust. It’s sturdy enough to hoist up absurd amounts of cheese without falling apart, but never heavy or bland. Order the “Malnati Chicago Classic” with sausage, extra cheese, and vine-ripened tomato sauce—that flaky, golden crust holds up like a dream. Big group or picky eaters? It’s one of the few joints where customizing is never a chore and gluten-free friends won’t feel like an afterthought. Tip: If the wait for a table runs longer than a CTA rush hour, order ahead for carry-out and picnic it by the river. ## 2. Giordano’s Walk into Giordano’s expecting the usual deep dish situation and they’ll flip your expectations like hot pizza dough. This is “stuffed” pizza, with enough mozzarella to build a mattress, sealed by a second, thinner layer of dough and MORE sauce ladled on top. You can dig in with a fork, go you’re-on-camera with your hands, or alternate—there are no rules here. Beyond the caloric spectacle, Giordano’s has surprising range: the thin crust isn’t just a backup plan, and their salads don’t feel like a punishment if your group includes a “something light” person. Not just for pie tourists—the late hours make it a smart play when the craving hits post-bar. ## 3. Gino’s East Some people come here for the wall graffiti (pro tip: bring a Sharpie). Everyone stays for what might be the crunchiest edge of deep dish anywhere. Gino’s East deals in a crust that's golden, almost cornbread-like, but never boring. One bite and you’ll taste why pizza arguments always include this place. Keep things classic: sausage, mushrooms, green peppers. No stunt toppings needed. The sauce is tangy and assertive, and every slice eats like a meal. You’ll want to linger in the booth under decades of signatures, but don’t sleep on take-out—a reheated Gino’s slice is life-changing the next day. ## 4. Pequod’s Pizza Ask a Chicago local for their ride-or-die, and Pequod’s is what comes up 9/10. What separates it from the rest? Caramelized crust. No, seriously. The edges are laced with cheese that melts, then crisps up against the pan—giving each slice a lacy, crunchy border you’ll daydream about while stuck in traffic. The vibe: unfiltered, always buzzing, zero attitude. Get sausage or pepperoni for maximum caramelization, and know that people have lined up in worse weather for less pizza. Insider move: leftovers taste even better cold. Don't skip the bar, either—the crowd feels more “neighborhood hang” than “tour bus unloading.” ## 5. RPM Pizza Certain nights call for deep dish in a place where the bathroom tile is actually Instagrammable. That’s RPM Pizza. The look is sleek—crisp lines, open kitchen, a wine list that makes you rethink ordering beer. But the core of it? Still all about dough, cheese, and the sauce. RPM’s take is slightly lighter, with a golden, flaky crust that manages to be rich without weighing you down. Be brave: order a pie with house-made sausage AND whipped ricotta or jump into the seasonal veggie options without regret. Service feels tuned-in without any old-school pizza place bluster. ## 6. The Art of Pizza Not all legends are loud. Art of Pizza is the stalwart that never chases trends, and every slice is a lesson in how restraint breeds flavor. The cheese stretch? Perfect. The sauce? Just sweet enough. The crust? Somewhere between crunchy and pillowy, so each forkful stands on its own. Order any combo—this is a safe space for tradition, but feel free to wedge extra onions and jalapeños into the mix. Don’t skip the all-meat “Art’s Special” if you’re into classics. Plus, it’s one of the better values for the sheer volume of cheesy, saucy bliss you can walk out with. ## 7. Bartoli’s Pizzeria Bartoli’s brings the energy UP: the walls are filled with both conversation and pizza aroma, and the pies pack punchy flavor into every overloaded slice. The atmosphere’s less “red-checkered nostalgia” and more “your friend’s slightly-too-loud birthday party”—in other words, fun. This is deep dish for people who want bold—“throw-on-everything” sausage, green pepper, and giardiniera—but also for those game to experiment. The crust is flavorful, the toppings a little sharper, and there’s always a lively hum in the air that says: stick around for another drink. ## Pro-Tips for Deep Dish Bliss - **When to Go:** Plan on off-hours (3–6 p.m. or late night) for shorter waits—especially at Lou’s, Pequod’s, and Gino’s. RPM and Art of Pizza serve faster, but deep dish takes time. Order as soon as you sit! - **Delivery:** Lou’s, Giordano’s, and Bartoli’s deliver deep dish that actually survives the trip. Pequod’s and Gino’s are best enjoyed fresh if you can swing it. - **Dietary Stuff:** Vegetarian? Every spot’s got you. For gluten-free, Lou Malnati’s has a decent version; others, call ahead and confirm. - **Reheating Leftovers:** Skip the microwave. Toss slices on a skillet over low heat until hot—crispy bottom guaranteed. ## How to Do It Right River North deep dish isn’t about picking the winner—it’s about jumping into the middle of the city’s messy, steamy, unapologetic pizza battle. Start at your nearest spot, bring a handful of friends willing to argue whether chewy or crunchy edges rule, and never, ever trust a national “best pizza” ranking written by someone who lives in New York.