Chicago is known for art, architecture, gangsters, Wrigley Field, da Bears, da Bulls and the Blues Brothers, but perhaps the greatest cultural contribution of the city is the Chicago-style pizza. Lou Malnati, using the family recipe dating from the '40s, opened his flagship restaurant in Lincolnwood in 1971. Now with over 25 restaurants statewide, Lou Malnati's Pizzerias serve their signature buttery, deep-dish crust (deep because the dough is stretched high to fit the pan, but not technically thick as is often assumed) filled with a California plum tomato sauce and copious amounts of vegetables. The thin-crust pizza draws rave reviews as well, as do the stuffed spinach bread and the chicken sandwiches. Beer and wine available. Hours and delivery vary by location.
How others rate Lou Malnati's
Chicago Reader
Best Pizza, 2008 readers' poll