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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Master Critic Review
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
8.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
A flagship Gold Coast stop for Chicago-style deep dish with a butter-crust profile and a dining room built to handle volume. It’s at its best when you commit to one signature pie, keep toppings classic, and let the long-running system do what it does reliably.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deep Dish Pizza, Lou Malnati's Original, Malnati Chicago Classic
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Flagship Chicago deep dish with a butter-crust signature and proven consistency.
Who should go: Deep dish first-timers and Chicago pizza loyalists
When to visit: Weeknights or early dinner to dodge waits
What to order: Deep dish, Lou Malnati’s Original, Malnati Chicago Classic
Insider tip: Order one pie for the table and add a salad—don’t stack two pizzas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on State St and nearby side streets; limited availability after 6pm. Several paid garages within a few blocks.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy conversation at off-peak times, louder during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak tourist weekends
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable toppings and fully vegetarian pies available.
Vegan options: Limited—can order without cheese and load up vegetable toppings, but no vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available, but prepared in a shared kitchen (not suitable for severe allergies).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure date than a romantic one. Deep dish is filling, shareable, and a bit messy—great for conversation, less ideal if you want something sleek or fast.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits at dinner and on weekends. Lunch and early weekday dinners are the safest bets if you’re walking in.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are common, portions are shareable, and the menu is straightforward for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, classic Chicago-style deep dish with a consistent butter-crust profile and a dining room built to handle groups smoothly.
Skip if: You want a caramelized-crust style (look elsewhere) or need a quick meal—deep dish here is a time commitment.
Hours
Monday11am - 11pm
Tuesday11am - 11pm
Wednesday11am - 11pm
Thursday11am - 11pm
Friday11am - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 10pm