Chicago-style pizza is one of America’s most beloved comfort foods, known for its thick, buttery crust and layers of gooey cheese piled high under a rich tomato sauce. Whether you grew up eating it or just heard about it, there is something magical about a pizza that feels more like a savory pie.
You do not have to book a flight to Chicago to experience the real deal. From California to Florida, incredible spots across the country are serving up slices that would make any Chicagoan proud.
1. Lou Malnati’s
Since 1971, the Malnati family has been crafting one of the most iconic deep dish pizzas in the country. Their signature Buttercrust™ is flaky, golden, and rich in every bite.
Wisconsin mozzarella, vine-ripened California tomatoes, and an exclusive sausage blend make every slice unforgettable.
With over 70 locations across the U.S. and nationwide shipping options, Lou Malnati’s is one of the easiest authentic Chicago deep dish experiences to find no matter where you live.
2. Giordano’s
Giordano’s stuffed pizza is inspired by an old Italian Easter pie recipe brought to Chicago by two brothers from Torino, Italy. The double crust is buttery and flaky, while the proprietary Wisconsin mozzarella stretches in the most satisfying way possible.
Scratch-made daily tomato sauce ties everything together beautifully. Nationwide shipping means you can order a Giordano’s pizza and enjoy it straight from your own oven, no matter which state you call home.
3. Emmett’s (New York City, NY)
A former Chicago local opened Emmett’s in New York City to give Big Apple residents a genuine taste of the Midwest. Their dough undergoes a 72-hour fermentation process, creating a crust with incredible depth of flavor and a satisfying chew.
The slower baking method ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the crust stays sturdy without turning soggy. Finding a spot like this in NYC proves that great Chicago pizza can thrive in the most competitive food city in America.
4. Zachary’s Chicago Pizza (Berkeley, CA)
Bay Area pizza lovers have been raving about Zachary’s for decades, and Chicago transplants consistently say it hits close to home. Their stuffed pies feature a buttery bottom crust that stays crispy even under all those generous fillings.
The spinach and mushroom pizza is their most iconic creation, loaded with garlicky goodness beneath a vivid, chunky tomato layer. One bite explains why locals defend Zachary’s as fiercely as any Chicago native defends their hometown pizza.
5. Carmine’s Pie House (Jacksonville, FL)
Selling around 500 to 600 pizzas every single week, Carmine’s Pie House in Jacksonville has clearly earned its loyal following. Customers rave about the perfectly crispy crust that holds its shape without becoming greasy or heavy.
Unique topping combinations like coconut and goat cheese set Carmine’s apart from more traditional deep dish spots. Whether you play it classic or adventurous, every pizza that comes out of their kitchen feels like a warm, satisfying reward.
6. Vero Chicago Pizza (Arizona)
Three decades of pizza-making experience is packed into every pie at Vero Chicago Pizza in Arizona. Their team makes doughs and sauces from scratch every single day, using fresh mozzarella, garlic, and ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor.
They offer thin, butter, and deep dish crust options, so there is genuinely something for every pizza mood. That dedication to fresh ingredients over shortcuts is exactly what keeps customers coming back week after week without hesitation.
7. Anthony’s Gourmet Pizza (Ann Arbor, MI)
Ann Arbor, Michigan might not be the first city that comes to mind for Chicago pizza, but Anthony’s Gourmet Pizza is changing that reputation one pie at a time. Their buttery crust is consistently praised for its perfect texture and rich, satisfying flavor.
True to Chicago tradition, the thick sauce is ladled right on top of the cheese. Locals and visitors alike say it genuinely rivals anything they have eaten back in Chicago itself, which is the highest compliment possible.
8. Hollywood Pies (Los Angeles, CA)
Some pizza fans boldly claim Hollywood Pies serves the most authentic Chicago deep dish outside of Chicago itself, and after one bite, it is easy to understand why. San Marzano tomatoes give their sauce a bright, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
Fresh housemade ricotta adds a creamy, luxurious layer that elevates every single slice. Located in Los Angeles, this spot proves that California sunshine and Chicago pizza can coexist in the most delicious way.
9. Pizza Papalis (Detroit, MI)
Detroit and Chicago have a friendly pizza rivalry, but Pizza Papalis pays sincere homage to the Chicago deep dish tradition with skill and respect. Their buttery, supportive crust manages the impressive feat of staying firm and flavorful without ever turning soggy.
Vibrant, slightly sweet tomatoes in the sauce balance the richness of the cheese in a way that feels just right. For Midwest pizza lovers who want Chicago flavors without crossing state lines, Pizza Papalis delivers every single time.
10. Tony’s Little Italy Pizza (Placentia, CA)
Open since 1978, Tony’s Little Italy Pizza in Placentia, California has been feeding Chicago pizza cravings for longer than many of its customers have been alive. Long-time regulars describe a deep dish experience that feels unchanged from the very first day they walked through the door.
That kind of consistency over nearly five decades is rare and worth celebrating. Family-friendly and rooted in tradition, Tony’s is the kind of neighborhood gem that quietly becomes irreplaceable in a community.
11. Two Cities Pizza Company (Ohio and Georgia)
What happens when you combine Chicago and New York pizza under one roof? Two Cities Pizza Company in Ohio and Georgia answers that question deliciously.
Customers get to build their own pizza experience by choosing their crust style, sauce, and toppings from a flexible menu.
The Chicago deep dish option holds its own proudly alongside the New York-style offerings. For groups where everyone has a different pizza preference, Two Cities is practically the perfect solution to an age-old dinnertime debate.
12. Windy City Pizza
The name alone sets expectations high, and Windy City Pizza rises to meet them with ingredients that carry real history. Their Italian sausage and meatball toppings are sourced from a deli with roots stretching back to 1935, giving every slice an authentic flavor story.
That kind of ingredient sourcing is rare and genuinely makes a difference in the final taste. Eating here feels less like ordering a pizza and more like experiencing a piece of Chicago culinary heritage on your plate.
13. The Art of Pizza (Dallas, TX)
Texas is famous for many foods, but Dallas has quietly become home to one of the most respected Chicago-style pizza destinations in the South. The Art of Pizza takes its name seriously, treating every pie as a carefully crafted creation rather than just a quick meal.
Deep dish fans visiting or living in Dallas consistently rank it among the best spots outside Illinois for iconic Chicago-style pizza. Sometimes the best surprises come from the most unexpected places on the map.
14. Gus’s World Famous Pizza (Atlanta, GA)
Atlanta has a thriving food scene, and Gus’s World Famous Pizza has carved out a well-deserved spot as a Chicago-style standout in the heart of Georgia. The bold name might sound like a boast, but regulars insist the pizza backs it up without any hesitation.
Deep dish lovers in the Southeast no longer have to plan a road trip to Illinois to satisfy that craving. Gus’s proves that Southern hospitality and Midwestern pizza traditions can create something truly worth talking about.
15. Labriola Ristorante
Not everyone wants a thick, towering deep dish, and Labriola Ristorante understands that perfectly. Their authentic Chicago-style thin crust pizza is cut into squares in true tavern style, delivering a crispy, golden bite that is lighter but still deeply satisfying.
Labriola also offers deep dish and skinny deep dish options for nationwide shipping, making it one of the most versatile Chicago pizza experiences available outside Illinois. For thin crust fans, this is an absolute must-try option with serious hometown credibility.
16. Ach-N-Lou’s Pizza Pub
Walking into Ach-N-Lou’s Pizza Pub feels like stepping into a Chicago neighborhood spot that somehow teleported to your city. Their deep dish crust earns consistent praise for having a satisfying crunch on the outside while staying soft and buttery on the inside.
Generous cheese portions mean every slice feels indulgent and completely worth the calories. They even offer frozen pizzas for customers who want to recreate the pub experience at home, which is a seriously thoughtful touch for true deep dish fans.