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Giordano's
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Giordano's
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
The iconic Chicago stuffed pizza institution since 1974, Giordano's delivers a towering double-crust pie with Wisconsin mozzarella and slow-baked flaky pastry crust. Steps from Willis Tower, this location draws downtown workers and tourists seeking the definitive deep-dish experience with full bar service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Classic Stuffed Pizza, Pepperoni Deep Dish, Cheesy Garlic Bread
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: 50+ years perfecting the stuffed double-crust pizza with six artisans building each pie
Who should go: Deep-dish devotees and Chicago first-timers
When to visit: Weekday lunch avoids tourist rush; order ahead
What to order: Chicago Classic with sausage, any stuffed pie, skillet cookie dessert
Insider tip: Pre-order online to skip the 45-minute bake time wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot - use nearby Loop garages ($20-30 evening) or metered street parking. Willis Tower garage closest option. Excellent CTA access via Blue, Brown, Orange lines.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - tourists in walking shoes and office workers in suits share the dining room. Come comfortable, you're here for the pizza.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - bustling restaurant energy, especially peak hours. Conversation flows fine but intimate it's not.
Weekend wait: 30-60 min for seating without reservation, plus 45 min pizza bake time. Budget 2 hours total.
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min typical, much lighter crowd than dinner. Pre-order pizza to cut total time in half.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - spinach stuffed pizza is a standout, plus veggie deep dish and thin crust options. Pasta and salads round out choices.
Vegan options: Very limited - no vegan cheese option means stuffed pizza is off the table. Garden salads and marinara-based items only.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free thin crust available. Not a separate prep area, so trace exposure possible for celiac sensitivity.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Works for the right kind of first date - sharing a massive stuffed pizza is inherently fun and gives you something to talk about. The 45-minute bake wait tests conversation skills. Not romantic-fancy, but memorable and uniquely Chicago.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch, usually yes within 15 minutes. Weekend dinner without a reservation means 30-60 minute waits - call ahead or use the waitlist. Pro move: order your pizza when you put your name down so it's ready when you're seated.
Is it kid-friendly? Excellent for families - kids love watching the cheese pull on stuffed pizza. High chairs available, kids' menu offered, staff accustomed to families. The shared-plate format keeps everyone engaged.
Best For
Better for: The definitive stuffed deep-dish experience with that signature flaky double crust and cheese pull. More polished full-service atmosphere than Lou Malnati's, better for impressing out-of-towners or hosting a group.
Skip if: You want caramelized cheese crust (hit Pequod's), a quick meal (45-min bake minimum), or authentic local-over-tourist vibes - Giordano's leans into its fame
Giordano's
8.5
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
A classic Loop stop for stuffed deep-dish that’s built around a tall mozzarella-heavy interior and a slow-baked, fork-and-knife rhythm. It’s most satisfying when you commit to one signature pie for the table and let the long bake time work in your favor—order early, then settle in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Classic stuffed deep dish, Sausage deep dish, Individual 6-inch deep dish (lunch-size)
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Stuffed deep-dish with a signature mozzarella-forward build and slow bake.
Who should go: Deep-dish first-timers and Loop groups
When to visit: Weekday early lunch to avoid waits
What to order: Chicago Classic stuffed pie, sausage deep dish, individual deep dish
Insider tip: Order your pie as soon as you sit—bake times are real.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Nearby public garages in the Central Loop; street parking is very limited and time-restricted on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans and comfortable shoes are fine; business-casual fits right in at lunch.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during peak lunch and dinner hours. Conversation is easy but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, especially for groups ordering stuffed pies.
Weekday lunch: Short wait or no wait if you arrive early; waits increase quickly after noon due to bake times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetable-topped deep dish and stuffed options are available.
Vegan options: Very limited – vegetable toppings are available, but vegan cheese is not standard.
Gluten-free options: Limited – gluten-free crust is offered, but not suitable for strict gluten avoidance due to shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or established-date scenario. The long bake time and fork-and-knife eating style make it less fluid than thinner-crust spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at weekday lunch or off-peak hours. For weekend dinners or groups, expect a wait unless you plan ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Deep-dish portions are shareable, staff is accommodating, and the pace works well for families with school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Stuffed deep-dish fans who want a classic, mozzarella-heavy Chicago experience in a reliable downtown setting.
Skip if: You’re short on time, want a lighter or faster pizza, or prefer thin-crust tavern-style pies.