The West Loop, a vibrant hub of Chicago's culinary scene, boasts a surprising number of exceptional pizza joints. Whether you crave deep-dish, thin-crust, or something uniquely Chicago-style, this guide navigates you through the top 19 pizza places in the area, ensuring your next pizza night is a memorable one. Finding the perfect pizza in the West Loop just got easier!
Deep Dish Delights: Chicago's Iconic Style
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a culinary experience, not just a meal. Its thick, buttery crust, layers of cheese, and flavorful toppings demand attention. These West Loop spots specialize in this iconic style:
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
- Why it's great: A Chicago institution, Lou Malnati's consistently delivers high-quality deep dish with a flaky crust and rich tomato sauce. Their buttery crust is legendary.
- What to order: The classic cheese deep dish is a must-try, but their sausage and pepperoni options are also excellent. Consider adding a side of their famous Malnati salad.
Pequod's Pizza
- Why it's great: Pequod's is known for its caramelized crust, which adds a unique sweetness and crunch. The combination of the crispy crust and gooey cheese is truly special.
- What to order: The deep dish is the star here. Experiment with different topping combinations—their veggie deep dish is surprisingly delicious.
Giordano's
- Why it's great: Another Chicago deep-dish heavyweight, Giordano's offers a stuffed pizza experience filled with layers of cheese and toppings. It's perfect for sharing (or not!).
- What to order: The classic stuffed pizza is a must, though their thin crust options are surprisingly good as well.
Thin Crust Treasures: A Lighter Approach
If you prefer a crispier, less heavy pizza experience, these thin-crust options deliver big on flavor:
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
- Why it's great: Authentic Neapolitan pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven, offering a charred, slightly smoky crust. The simplicity of the toppings lets the quality of ingredients shine.
- What to order: Their Margherita pizza is a masterpiece, but don't shy away from their creative seasonal options.
Formento's
- Why it's great: Formento's offers a refined take on Italian-American cuisine, including excellent thin-crust pizzas. The atmosphere is upscale, perfect for a special occasion.
- What to order: Their seasonal pizzas are a highlight, often featuring high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
RPM Italian
- Why it's great: RPM Italian is a stylish restaurant with a menu that includes expertly crafted thin-crust pizzas. The ingredients are top-notch.
- What to order: Their pizzas are delicious but also consider other menu items if you're looking for a broader dining experience.
Unique & Unexpected Pizza Experiences
Beyond deep dish and thin crust, the West Loop offers some truly unique pizza concepts:
Olio e Limone (Pizza options available)
- Why it's great: While primarily an Italian restaurant, Olio e Limone offers exceptional pizzas made with high-quality ingredients and a focus on authentic flavors.
- What to order: Look for their daily pizza specials featuring fresh, seasonal produce.
Monteverde (Pizza options available)
- Why it's great: Similar to Olio e Limone, Monteverde offers pizzas as a part of a larger Italian menu. Expect fresh ingredients and delicious flavors.
- What to order: Their pizza choices often reflect seasonal availability – check their menu!
(Continue adding 11 more pizza places with similar detailed descriptions. Remember to include diverse styles beyond deep dish and thin crust, such as Detroit-style, Roman-style, New York-style etc.) For example, you could include:
[Pizza Place 10-19 descriptions here with "Why it's great" and "What to order" sections for each]
Finding Your Perfect Slice: A West Loop Pizza Guide
Choosing the right pizza place in the West Loop depends on your preferences. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you find your perfect slice. Consider factors like:
- Crust preference: Deep dish, thin crust, Neapolitan, etc.
- Topping preferences: Classic combinations or adventurous choices?
- Ambiance: Casual, upscale, family-friendly?
- Price point: Budget-friendly or splurge-worthy?
Remember to check restaurant websites for menus, hours, and online ordering options. Happy pizza hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best deep dish pizza in the West Loop?
A: This is subjective! Lou Malnati's and Pequod's are both highly regarded for their distinct styles. Try both and decide for yourself.
Q: Are there any gluten-free pizza options in the West Loop?
A: Many restaurants offer gluten-free crusts; check individual restaurant websites or call ahead to confirm availability.
Q: Which pizza place is best for a romantic date night?
A: Formento's or RPM Italian offer a more upscale and romantic ambiance.
This expanded outline provides a more thorough structure for your blog post. Remember to add high-quality images, compress them, and write engaging, descriptive text for each pizza place. Don't forget to link to the restaurants' websites and include relevant internal links if you have other Chicago food blogs.
