Battle of the Pizzas – Who Serves the Best Slice in Chicago?

If there’s one thing Chicago is known for in the food world, it’s pizza. Whether it’s the iconic deep-dish, a crispy thin crust, or something in between, the city is filled with pizzerias that each claim to serve the best slice. As a self-proclaimed pizza lover, I took it upon myself to explore some of Chicago’s most famous spots to determine once and for all—who serves the best slice?

Lou Malnati’s – The Deep-Dish King?

My pizza adventure started with a classic: Lou Malnati’s, one of the most well-known deep-dish spots in the city. Walking in, I was instantly hit with the rich aroma of buttery crust and bubbling cheese. I ordered their signature Malnati Chicago Classic, which features a thick, crunchy-yet-flaky crust, layers of mozzarella, and their legendary tomato sauce on top.

The first bite? Pure heaven. The cheese stretched perfectly, the sauce was fresh and tangy, and the buttery crust added a delicious crunch. It’s a heavy meal, for sure, but one that’s worth every calorie. If you’re looking for a traditional deep-dish experience, Lou Malnati’s definitely delivers.

Pequod’s – The Caramelized Crust Champion

Next up was Pequod’s, a place that often gets overlooked by tourists but is beloved by locals. The difference here is in the crust—Pequod’s is famous for its caramelized edges, created by baking cheese right into the pan.

I ordered a sausage deep-dish, and let me tell you, that crust was everything people said it would be. The crispy, almost burnt-cheese edges added a smoky depth to the pie, and the toppings were perfectly balanced. If you want a deep-dish pizza that’s a little different from the norm, Pequod’s is a must-try.

Pat’s Pizza – The Thin-Crust Underdog

Not all of Chicago’s great pizza is deep-dish. For a change of pace, I went to Pat’s Pizza, a South Side favorite that specializes in Chicago tavern-style pizza—a super thin, crispy crust cut into squares instead of slices.

I got a sausage and pepperoni pizza, and the flavors were incredible. The crust was crunchy but not dry, the cheese-to-sauce ratio was perfect, and the toppings were generously spread. While deep-dish gets all the attention, Pat’s reminded me why Chicago-style thin crust deserves just as much love.

My Verdict: Which Pizza Wins?

So, who serves the best slice in Chicago? It really depends on what kind of pizza experience you’re looking for.

• If you want classic deep-dish, Lou Malnati’s is the way to go.
• If you love a crispy, caramelized crust, Pequod’s takes the crown.
• If you prefer thin, crispy, tavern-style pizza, Pat’s is a hidden gem.

In the end, Chicago’s pizza scene is too diverse to declare just one winner. My advice? Try them all and decide for yourself—you won’t be disappointed!