0 Followers
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Michigan Avenue
Master Critic Review
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Michigan Avenue
8.5
The Malnati family legacy lives on in this Wrigley Building location, featuring the legendary Buttercrust recipe that helped define Chicago deep dish since 1971. Wisconsin mozzarella, vine-ripened California tomatoes, and exclusive sausage blend remain unchanged.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Lou, Chicago Classic Deep Dish, Malnati Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Signature Buttercrust dough and 50+ years of family recipe perfection
Who should go: Deep dish devotees, families, out-of-town visitors
When to visit: Pre-order online to skip wait times during peak hours
What to order: The Lou with spinach mix, sausage patty, Buttercrust
Insider tip: Entrance is off E Hubbard Street, not Michigan Avenue directly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Multiple nearby garages: 401 N Michigan Ave Garage, North Bridge Self Park ($11-15), Trump Tower Self Park (2 min walk). Pre-book via SpotHero or ParkWhiz. Street parking very limited on Mag Mile.
Dress code: Casual - come as you are from sightseeing or shopping. Jeans, t-shirts, comfortable attire all welcome. This is a relaxed family pizzeria, not fine dining.
Noise level: Lively to loud - energetic basement space gets noisy during peak times. Great for groups, but not ideal for intimate conversation. Early weekday seatings are quieter.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, plus 30-40 min for pizza to bake. Pre-order online highly recommended.
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min typically, even busy at 2pm. Reservations via OpenTable help secure immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - ~15 options including cheese/veggie deep dish, salads, and build-your-own pizzas. Cheese uses vegetable rennet.
Vegan options: Limited - deep dish dough is vegan (no butter/eggs), order without cheese. Note: Buttercrust and thin crust contain butter. Salads available without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF deep dish and thin crust available (rice/tapioca blend). Also crustless pizza option (sausage base). Shared kitchen - not celiac-certified, cross-contamination possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent but not romantic. The cozy Wrigley Building basement has rustic charm and historic character, but it's loud and crowded on weekends. Best for casual, fun dates who want an iconic Chicago experience. Book early weekday evening for quieter atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits during peak hours - this is a major tourist destination. Walk-ins work best weekday lunch or early dinner. Weekend evenings without reservations mean 30-45 minutes waiting. OpenTable reservations strongly recommended, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - this is a family favorite. Kids menu includes spaghetti, kid-size cheese pizza, and more. Booths accommodate families well. The casual atmosphere means no pressure. Pro tip: order apps first since deep dish takes 30-40 minutes to bake. Elevator available for strollers.
Best For
Better for: First-time Chicago visitors wanting the authentic deep dish experience, families with kids, groups who want generous shareable portions, anyone prioritizing the legendary Buttercrust and 50+ years of recipe heritage over ambiance.
Skip if: You want thin-crust artisan pizza, need a quiet romantic setting, are severely gluten intolerant (shared kitchen), or prefer a more upscale dining experience. Also skip if you're in a rush - deep dish takes time.