0 Followers
Giordano's - Navy Pier
Master Critic Review
Giordano's - Navy Pier
7.9
Conveniently positioned at Chicago's top tourist destination, this family-style Giordano's delivers the same stuffed pizza heritage with indoor and outdoor lakefront seating. Perfect pit stop after Navy Pier attractions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Classic Stuffed, Spinach Alfredo Deep Dish, Traditional Wings
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Prime Navy Pier location with lakefront dining and iconic pizza
Who should go: Families after museum visits, tourists exploring the pier
When to visit: Make reservations online to skip busy wait times
What to order: Chicago Classic with Greek or Caesar salad while you wait
Insider tip: Reserve outdoor seating for Ferris wheel views during summer
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Navy Pier East/West garages $16-18/first hour, $50-55 daily max; valet available seasonally; book via SpotHero to save—street parking nearly impossible
Dress code: Very casual—shorts, t-shirts, tourist attire all welcome; come straight from the pier attractions
Noise level: Loud—bustling tourist crowd, especially peak hours; conversation requires effort; outdoor seating slightly better
Weekend wait: 45-75 min without pre-ordering; order pizza at check-in then explore the pier while you wait
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min typical; still order pizza early as it takes 40-45 min to cook
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Super Veggie stuffed pizza, Spinaci, cheese options; multiple salads and pasta dishes
Vegan options: Limited—pizza crust is vegan but standard sauce is not; request marinara sauce (labeled vegan) on custom flatbread; Greek salad works
Gluten-free options: Thin crust only—no GF deep dish; cooked in shared ovens; NOT celiac-safe; Lou Malnati's has GF deep dish if that's priority
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—the Navy Pier location is noisy, crowded, and very touristy. Long waits and rushed seating don't create romance. For dates, try the Rush Street location instead for the same pizza with better ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits during peak times. Pro tip: check in, order your pizza immediately (it takes 40-45 min), then explore the pier. They'll text when your table is ready and your pizza arrives hot. This Navy Pier hack turns wait time into sightseeing.
Is it kid-friendly? Excellent for families—kids menu available, casual chaos expected, and the adjacent Children's Museum makes it a natural lunch stop. Order cheesy garlic bread or appetizers first since deep dish takes 45 minutes. Small pizza feeds 2-3 kids easily.
Is this just a tourist trap? It's definitely touristy, but the pizza quality is consistent with other Giordano's locations. The convenience after museum visits and pier activities makes it worthwhile. For a more 'local' feel with identical pizza, try a neighborhood location.
What's the view like from outdoor seating? Seasonal outdoor seating offers Ferris wheel views and lakefront ambiance—reserve these spots in summer. Heads up: birds can be aggressive toward food. Indoor seating is generic but air-conditioned.
Best For
Better for: Convenience after Navy Pier activities—no travel required, feeds hungry families fast. Outdoor lakefront seating in summer. The 'order then explore' system makes waits painless. Best stuffed pizza option directly on the pier.
Skip if: You want the authentic deep dish origin story (go Pizzeria Uno), buttery crust perfection (go Lou Malnati's), celiac-safe dining, a romantic date, or you're avoiding tourist crowds. Also skip if you're in a hurry—nothing here is fast.