The deep-dish standard-bearer many Chicagoans name as their favorite, famous for a buttery flaky crust and lean-sausage-patty layer. This River North location is central and tourist-friendly with a full bar. Order the Malnati Chicago Classic. Open daily; expect a 45-minute bake.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Tue 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Wed 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Thu 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Fri 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Sat 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Sun 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | CTA Brown/Purple to Merchandise Mart (5-min walk); Red Line Grand |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours (deep dish takes ~45 min to bake) |
| Best time to go | Off-peak: late lunch or early weeknight dinner |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.3/10- Value7.8
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.2
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.2
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- Can they ship pizza or do carryout?
- Yes, Lou Malnati's is famous for shipping frozen pizzas nationwide, and every location does carryout and delivery. Great if you want to take the deep dish home.
- Is Lou Malnati's better than Giordano's or Pequod's?
- It's a matter of taste. Lou's is the buttery deep-dish benchmark, Giordano's is stuffed style, and Pequod's is pan with a caramelized crust. Locals often rank Lou's at or near the top for classic deep dish.
- How much is a deep dish?
- Individual deep dishes run around $9-$13 and larger pies roughly $20-$35 depending on size and toppings. It's reasonably priced for how filling it is; one large easily feeds three to four.
- Why does deep dish take so long?
- A real Chicago deep dish bakes for roughly 45 minutes because of its thickness. Call ahead or order online to have it started before you arrive, or plan to relax with a drink while you wait.
- Is there a gluten-free crust?
- Yes, Lou's offers a gluten-free crust option (a lettuce-and-sausage 'crust' known as the Pizza Pot Pie is separate). Confirm current options when ordering for celiac needs.
- Do they take reservations?
- The River North location takes reservations and offers a full bar, dine-in, and carryout. Booking ahead helps at peak weekend times.
- Is this the original location?
- No. The chain started in Lincolnwood in 1971. This River North spot is a central, full-service location that's convenient for downtown visitors, not the founding store.
- What should I order at Lou Malnati's?
- The Malnati Chicago Classic: deep dish with sausage, extra cheese, and vine-ripened tomato sauce on their signature buttercrust. A small feeds one to two people; a medium or large is a group affair.
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Where to stay near Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
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