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Gino's East - Magnificent Mile
ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Late Night Pizza in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
Gino's East - Magnificent Mile
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Hidden Gems Heaven
Birthday & Celebration Central
The flagship location where two taxi drivers launched Chicago deep dish history in 1966, featuring legendary graffiti-covered walls and cast-iron pans seasoned for nearly six decades. Three floors of dining with a comedy club upstairs and rooftop terrace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sausage Patty Deep Dish, Spinach & Cheese Deep Dish, Meaty Legend
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Original 1966 location with iconic graffiti walls and Alice Mae's historic recipe
Who should go: First-time Chicago visitors, families, groups
When to visit: Arrive early or expect 45-60 minute pizza cook time
What to order: Classic sausage deep dish with full-diameter patty, Chicago Classic
Insider tip: Bring a marker to sign the walls—one of Chicago's only remaining graffiti traditions
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot directly across the street; street parking on Illinois St; 5-minute walk from Grand Red Line stop
Dress code: Casual - this is a relaxed tourist spot with graffiti walls, jeans and t-shirts welcome
Noise level: Loud and lively - vibrant party atmosphere across three floors; go to Lou Malnati's if you want quieter conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min for table, plus 45-60 min pizza cook time - order apps immediately
Weekday lunch: Minimal table wait, but still 40-45 min for deep dish - plan accordingly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese pizza, veggie toppings, spinach dip, salads, cheese bread
Vegan options: Limited - vegan cheese available upon request, confirm when ordering
Gluten-free options: Thin crust only - no gluten-free deep dish available; cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Skip it for romance - it's loud, casual, and touristy with 45-60 min pizza waits. Better for group outings or family. For date night deep dish, try Pequod's or Lou Malnati's Lincoln Park.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, and you have no choice - they don't take reservations. It's first-come, first-served only. Parties of 15+ can call the sales team at 312-266-5421 for arrangements.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - this is one of Chicago's best kid-friendly pizza spots. Kids love signing the graffiti walls with markers, the wait staff is accommodating with families, and the casual vibe means no one cares about noise. Order cheese bread immediately to keep them busy during the 45-min pizza wait.
Best For
Better for: First-time Chicago visitors wanting the full tourist experience - iconic graffiti walls, historic 1966 location, three floors of energy, comedy club upstairs, and rooftop terrace. The 'I was here' factor is unmatched.
Skip if: You want a quieter meal, romantic atmosphere, or faster service. Lou Malnati's delivers comparable deep dish with less chaos; Pequod's has the caramelized crust purists love. Also skip if you need gluten-free deep dish - they only offer GF thin crust.