ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Pizza in Lincolnwood
Master Critic Review
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (Lincolnwood)
8.4
The original Lou Malnati’s location is still the most dependable late dinner in the deep-dish lane: butter-crisp crust, heavy mozzarella pull, and a sauce-forward finish that holds up even when you’re ordering late. It’s busiest on weekends, but the kitchen is built for volume and keeps the pies coming until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sausage deep dish (Malnati Chicago Classic), Thin crust sausage & giardiniera, Chopped salad
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: The original Lou’s deep-dish workflow stays reliable even late-night.
Who should go: Deep-dish loyalists feeding a group late
When to visit: Friday or Saturday after 9pm
What to order: Sausage deep dish, thin crust, chopped salad
Insider tip: If you’re short on time, go thin crust—deep dish takes longer.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free on-site parking lot plus additional street parking along Lincoln Ave; usually manageable except during peak weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—easy table conversation, but not a quiet room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes after 6pm without a reservation; later (after 9pm) can still mean a short wait for deep dish.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-topped deep dish and thin crust options, plus salads.
Vegan options: Very limited—no vegan cheese; salads can be modified, but pizza options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available, but prepared in a shared kitchen (not safe for severe allergies).
Best For
Better for: Reliable late-night deep dish with consistent execution and a kitchen built to handle volume.
Consider Alternatives If: You want fast food timing, a quiet atmosphere, or lighter pizza—consider thin-crust-focused or slice shops instead.