[category]
[title]
One of the OG deep dish pizzerias in the city, Lou Malnati's has been a Chicago staple since 1971. With more than 60 locations in Illinois and more in Indiana, Wisconsin and Arizona, it's one of the few places where Chicagoans actually eat deep-dish (we prefer thin crust), and it's a magnet for tourists on the hunt for classic Chicago pizza.
The vibe: A come-as-you-are pizza joint that's always packed but usually doesn't require a wait for a table.
The food: Lou Malnati's deep-dish pizza is popular for a reason—the chewy dough and sweet sauce are a mouthwatering pair. There's a whole menu of other dishes like salads, pasta, sandwiches and thin-crust pies, but the deep-dish is really the only thing worth your money here. You can also order delivery, and we can confirm that the pizzas hold up well in transit.
The drinks: The drink menu is pretty basic but large, with classics like soda, tea, beer, wine and cocktails. An ice-cold beer with a steaming-hot deep-dish pizza is a prime pair that never gets old.
Time Out tip: For the most efficient experience, place your deep-dish order as soon as you sit down, as it can sometimes take around 30 minutes or more to cook.