Deep Dish Pizza Facts
We admit that we are not deep dish pizza experts, but we did learn a few things during our experience eating Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza.
1. It’s Layered Differently – You will notice that famous deep dish pizza is layered differently than other pizza that you have tried and this is because of the crust. The thick crust takes a long time to cook, so the cheese is layered first to avoid it from burning. The layering of a deep dish pizza is cheese, toppings, and then a layer of tomato sauce on the top. This ensures other ingredients don’t burn before the crust is perfectly cooked!
2. It’s All About the Pan – You will notice that your pizza arrives at your table with a unique tool attached to it. This is because the cast iron pans do not have handles. The tool is essential for taking them out of the oven and serving the pizza at your table. This is also why your server will typically serve your first piece of pizza to you, to avoid you from burning yourself on the pan! Another interesting fact about the pans is that they do not get washed, they are wiped out after each use which essentially is seasoning each pizza cooked in it after yours.
3. It Takes FOREVER to Cook – A Chicago deep dish pizza experience is meant to be an enjoyable slow dining experience. This is not your quick grab a slice of pizza, heat it up, and you are out the door experience. Deep dish pizza typically takes about 30-40 minutes to cook, so slow down and enjoy the wait. It will definitely be worth it in the end.
4. Deep Dish Pizza is Deceivingly Filling!Your eyes will be bigger than your stomach when it comes to Chicago deep dish pizza. If your initial thoughts when you see the pizza are, “Damn, this pizza is small.” Try eating the whole thing and then get back to me. The pizza layers and crust will fill you up quick!
5. Try Thin Crust Pizza – Chicagoans promote their thin crust pizza as well! The crust reminds you of a cracker, but it has the perfect amount of sauce, cheese and toppings. Since this crust is a lot quicker to cook, the layering is the same as a more traditional pizza. If you still have room after your deep dish, then give thin crust pizza a try!
Food Fight: Lou Malnati’s vs. Pizano’s
So you want to try Chicago’s famous and traditional deep dish pizza, but every restaurant claims to have the best pizza, so how do you choose where to go? The short answer is just to get pizza anywhere. Seriously, it would be a crime to leave Chicago without trying deep dish pizza so you must try it somewhere!
The two most famous places to enjoy deep dish pizza are Lou Malnati’s and Pizano’s and we tried them both! Yes, it is not a crime to eat deep dish pizza multiple times during your visit. You cannot go wrong choosing either Lou Malnatis or Pizanos, both options are delicious. If are forcing me to chose one over the other, I would say Lou Malnatis wins out over Pizanos for a few reasons.
- The Malnati Chicago Classic – This pizza is extra cheesy and has a nice spicy sausage in the pie.
- Thin crust option – Lou Malnatis had an individual sized thin crust option, allowing us to try both types of Chicago’s pizza without having to order two large pizzas.
- Cost – Lou Malnatis was a bit cheaper in price than Pizanos, though pricing does depend on which location you choose. Restaurants in the heart of downtown Chicago will be a bit more expensive. Visit a restaurant outside of downtown you will get a better value and a shorter wait time!
Pizanos did get a big plus for allowing reservations, where as Lou Malnatis you will probably have to wait until you enjoy your pizza!
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out our tips on using public transportation, local breweries, and our recommendations for the most instagrammable photo spots!
