Chicago Pizza: More Than Just Deep Dish
Most of you have probably heard of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. What many visitors don’t realize is that Chicago also has a long history of thin-crust pizza.
People who aren’t from the city often refer to it as tavern-style pizza, but for native Chicagoans like myself, it’s simply thin crust. Unlike deep dish, this pizza typically has a thin, crispy crust and is cut into squares instead of triangles.
Chicago has no shortage of pizza restaurants, and everyone seems to have an opinion about which ones are the best. Rather than recommend the same famous establishments you’ll find on every tourist list, I want to share four of my personal favorites.
Two specialize in Chicago-style thin crust, while the first serves a different Italian-style pizza by the slice. What they have in common is that they’re local establishments I’ve enjoyed and would recommend to anyone looking to explore Chicago’s pizza scene beyond the usual downtown spots.
Let’s get started!
1. D’Amato’s Bakery — Italian Pizza by the Slice
Located in an area historically known as Little Sicily, D’Amato’s Bakery has been a Chicago staple for decades.
They serve Italian sandwiches, sweets, freshly baked bread, arancini, and some of my favorite pizza in the city.
Unlike the traditional Chicago thin-crust pizza cut into squares, D’Amato’s serves a style similar to pizza al taglio, which translates to “pizza by the cut.” It’s a popular style of pizza in Italy, typically baked in large rectangular trays and sold by the slice.
The family-owned bakery has been operating since 1970 and still uses a coal-burning oven that dates back to 1912.
Important note: Make sure you get your slice heated up!
The employee will most likely ask if you want your slice heated. If not, make sure you request it. In my opinion, this pizza is much better when served hot.
My favorite slice comes with pepperoni and spicy giardiniera, a classic Chicago condiment made with pickled vegetables and spicy peppers. If you prefer something different, go right ahead.
While you’re there, feel free to stop next door at Bari Foods, an Italian grocery store with an excellent selection of sub sandwiches!
Kill two birds with one stone!
Location: 1124 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago
2. Bartoli’s Pizzeria — My Go-To for Chicago Thin Crust
According to plenty of Chicagoans, Bartoli’s Pizzeria also makes consistently great deep-dish pizza. I’ve never personally tried their deep dish, but this restaurant is my go-to for traditional Chicago-style thin crust.
Some people like requesting their pizza well done to ensure the crust comes out nice and crispy but I don’t find it necessary. Just my personal preference.
One of the main reasons I enjoy Bartoli’s so much is its flavorful tomato sauce. I generally gravitate toward pizza with good sauce, which, to me, is usually a sign of a well-developed recipe.
It’s also worth noting that Bartoli’s has two locations.
I’ve only visited the West Town location at 658 N. Ashland Avenue, so that’s the one I’m recommending based on personal experience.
The original location is at 1955 W. Addison Street in Roscoe Village, not far from Wrigley Field, the famous baseball stadium of the Chicago Cubs.
If you’re planning to visit Wrigley Field or explore the bars around Clark Street, you could easily work a stop at Bartoli’s into your day.
Good pizza and a Chicago neighborhood experience. Not a bad combination! And if you’re in town during the summer months, check out a few street festivals around town.
Locations:
- 658 N. Ashland Avenue — West Town
- 1955 W. Addison Street — Roscoe Village
3. Barnaby’s of Northbrook — A Classic Suburban Pizza Experience
Barnaby’s of Northbrook has been around for decades and is known for its thin, crispy, cornmeal-crust pizza and casual, old-school atmosphere.
It’s a self-service restaurant where you place your order at the counter, find a table, and wait for your number to be called.
Barnaby’s was first introduced to me by my friend’s dad, who used to eat here as a kid many, many years ago.
Located in Northbrook, a suburb north of Chicago, it’s a bit farther away than the other two establishments. Many visitors probably won’t make the trip, but if you do, kudos for getting a taste of local history and tradition.
The pizza is delicious.
Under no circumstances would I recommend ordering delivery. The crust is much better when the pizza is fresh out of the oven.
It’s thin, light, and crispy, with a texture that keeps you wanting more.
I really enjoy eating at Barnaby’s with friends. The atmosphere is casual and comforting, and the place has a nostalgic feel that I appreciate.
Unfortunately, I don’t get to visit as often as I’d like, but I make a point of stopping by every once in a while.
For me, that’s part of what makes Barnaby’s special. It’s not just about the pizza, but also the experience of sitting down with friends at a place that has been part of the community for generations.
Location: 960 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook, Illinois
4. D’Agostino’s Pizza and Pub — A Chicago Family Tradition
D’Agostino’s Pizza and Pub is another longtime Chicago establishment, serving pizza since 1968. Founded by Joe and Jan D’Agostino, the family-owned business has expanded to several locations throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Their pizza is made using a traditional family dough recipe, prepared fresh daily. They’re especially known for their thin-crust pizza, which fits perfectly into Chicago’s tavern-style tradition.
I’ve only visited the location at 752 N. Ogden Avenue, near the intersection of Ogden and Milwaukee in the River West neighborhood. It’s also relatively close to D’Amato’s Bakery, another restaurant on this list.
What I like about D’Agostino’s is that it’s a casual neighborhood pizza pub rather than a fancy restaurant. It’s the kind of place where you can sit down, enjoy some good Chicago-style pizza, and have a relaxed meal.
Although the business has expanded over the decades, it has remained family-owned and continues to serve pizza based on its original recipes.
If you’re exploring this part of Chicago, D’Agostino’s and D’Amato’s are both worth keeping in mind. You could even visit both if you’re feeling particularly hungry!
Location: 752 N. Ogden Avenue — River West, Chicago
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed my recommendations! If you’re planning a trip, check out my guide to some cool things to do in Chicago where I share more of my favorite local experiences beyond the usual tourist attractions.
