Everything you need to know about visiting Lou Malnati's (439 N Wells St, Chicago IL 60654)
There are two kinds of Chicagoans. No, not North Siders and South Siders. We’re talking Giordano’s people and Lou Malnati’s people. Lou Malnati’s deep-dish is the pinnacle of cheesy Chicago-style goodness. Everything else on the menu—including pastas and salads—is passable, but not worth passing on the ’za. Get the butter crust. And don’t worry when you develop a Lou Malnati’s addiction: They Fed-Ex pizza anywhere in the country.
A family affair
The very first Lou Malnati's opened in Lincolnwood, IL, in 1971. Today, you'll find locations scattered throughout the city and Chicago suburbs. Husband and wife team Lou and Jean Malnati have created nothing short of a pizza empire with their handmade-from-scratch pizzas, fresh mozzarella cheese and that signature crust.
'Za education
Lou Malnati's is a texbook example of deep dish pizza, which involves a "backwards" technique of layering ingredients. Dough is topped with slices of mozzarella, which is sprinkled with veggies and sausage. The whole thing is covered with a bath of fresh tomato sauce, tomatoes and more cheese. The thing that sets Lou's apart—and that you won't find anywhere else—is that crunchy, buttery crust.
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