Among other things, Chicago is known for its art, architecture, old-time gangsters, Wrigley Field, da Bears, da Bulls, and of late President Barack Obama, 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 about 30 restaurants in the Chicago area, 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. Kids menu. Takeout and delivery service only. Open during lunch hours Fri–Sun, dinner hours nightly. Beverages, hours and delivery vary by location.
How Others Rate Lou Malnati's
Zagat 2009
24 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)
Chicago Reader
Best Pizza, 2008 readers' poll