If there’s one dish that defines Chicago, it’s deep-dish pizza — that buttery crust, bubbling cheese, and rich tomato sauce that turns every bite into comfort food perfection. And while every Chicagoan has their favorite spot, why pick just one when you can go on a deep-dish pizza crawl?

Here’s how to eat your way through the Windy City, one cheesy slice at a time.

🍽️ Stop 1: Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

📍 Multiple locations — start with the iconic one at 439 N Wells St

You can’t do a Chicago pizza crawl without Lou Malnati’s. Known for its buttery crust and tangy, chunky tomato sauce, it’s often called the gold standard of deep dish. The River North location is perfect for kicking off your crawl before exploring downtown nightlife.

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🧀 Stop 2: Giordano’s

📍 730 N Rush St, Chicago, IL (and many others)

Next up is Giordano’s, famous for its stuffed deep-dish pizza — a gooey, double-layered creation that’s both pizza and art form. Their signature recipe dates back to the 1970s and remains one of the city’s must-try experiences for visitors and locals alike.

Pair it with a cold local beer or a crisp salad (you’ll thank yourself later).

🔥 Stop 3: Gino’s East

📍 162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL

Gino’s East offers a different kind of classic — slightly crunchier crust, tangier sauce, and walls covered in decades of graffiti left by satisfied guests. It’s a true piece of Chicago history, just steps away from the Magnificent Mile.

The atmosphere is casual, the slices are huge, and yes — you can still sign your name on the wall.

🧄 Stop 4: Pequod’s Pizza

📍 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL

Venture a bit north to Lincoln Park for Pequod’s, a cult favorite among locals. Their signature feature? Caramelized crust — where cheese melts over the edge of the pan and crisps into a smoky, salty halo of perfection.

It’s often voted one of the best pizzas in America — and once you’ve had a bite, you’ll understand why.

🍅 Stop 5: Uno & Due — The Originals

📍 29 E Ohio St (Uno) & 619 N Wabash Ave (Due)

End your crawl where it all began — at Pizzeria Uno, credited with inventing Chicago’s deep-dish pizza back in 1943. For convenience, Pizzeria Due is right across the street, so you can compare the two for yourself.

Rich, hearty, and full of history, it’s the perfect finale to your pizza pilgrimage.

🥂 Pro Tips for the Perfect Deep-Dish Crawl

• Pace yourself: Deep dish is delicious — and dense. Split pizzas or order small sizes at each stop.

• Stay hydrated: Between all that cheese and sauce, a beer or sparkling water is your best friend.

• Bring friends: Crawls are better shared, and you can sample more varieties.

• Mix it up: Add a dessert stop or cocktail bar in between — check out Groupon Nightlife Deals for pairing ideas.

📸 Bonus: Photo-Worthy Pizza Spots

• The colorful neon sign at Gino’s East

• A cheese pull moment at Giordano’s

• The caramelized crust close-up at Pequod’s

• The vintage interior at Lou Malnati’s

Tag your photos with #GrouponEats to show off your crawl!

🍕 Wrap-Up

A Chicago deep-dish pizza crawl is more than just a meal — it’s a delicious slice of the city’s culture and history. From the original Pizzeria Uno to local favorites like Pequod’s, every stop tells a story (and delivers a whole lot of cheese).

So grab a few friends, bring your appetite, and prepare for a night that’s deep, delicious, and distinctly Chicago.

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