Chicago is known for many things including Chicago style pizza. A great pizzeria in the Chicago area is Lou Malnati’s (1120 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60610). It is considered “the oldest family name in Chicago pizza” when Lou Malnati started his own restaurant in 1971 in Lincolnwood after being in the business for over twenty years. From there the operations expanded throughout the Chicago area and now there are 33 locations. The following will provide a brief overview of the experience you can expect when you visit one of the many Lou Malnati’s locations.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

One thing you will find at all Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria locations is quality and good food. Many people consider it to be the “BEST Chicago-style deep dish pizza in the world!” (Lou’s News, 2011)  The pizza crust is a “secret recipe” originating from Grandpa Malnati during the 1940′s. This one of a kind taste combined with house recipe sausage and hand selected tomatoes for a perfect sauce, combine to make the best Chicago-style deep dish pizza around.

Making the Pizza

As with any Chicago-style pizza, the toppings are placed backwards from traditional pizza. The cheese is placed on the bare curst, then the toppings such as mushrooms, sausage, or pepperoni, and finally the tomato sauce made from pear and plum tomatoes. To round out the taste combination a thin layer of cheese and spices are added to complete the pizza. You will need to use a fork and knife to enjoy this pizza.

Making the Sauce

Each year a team from Malnati’s travels to California to meet with the growers of the tomatoes used to make the pizza sauce. Specific tomatoes are used and quality guidelines are implemented to ensure only the best tasting tomatoes make it into the Malnati’s pizza sauce.

Pizzeria Atmosphere

Many people are sure to agree that the atmosphere at each of the Lou Malnati’s 33 Pizzeria locations is a welcome home attitude with smiling faces and delicious aromas in the air. As you walk through the door you are greeted by a host and seated at a table. From there the server takes your order, answers any questions you may have, and provides you with top- quality service throughout your meal.

Menu Options

Items are often made in-house and you can taste the difference, from the breads to the Pizza. Lou Malnati’s offers appetizers such as Lou’s Bruschetta served on homemade toasted garlic rounds, fresh, crisp salads such as the Malnati Salad served with a house red wine vinaigrette, and Pizza such as the “Lou” with fresh spinach, mushrooms and sliced tomatoes.

The menu also includes thin crust pizza, pasta, and sandwiches such as the Beef Sandwich using Malnati’s own slow roasted beef, melted mozzarella cheese and served with curly fries.

Taking the time to visit one of the 33 Lou Malnati’s locations when visiting Chicago will add pleasure to any trip even if your simply in the city on business. Have you had the opportunity to try Lou Malnati’s? What is your take on the “Best Chicago-style, deep dish pizza?” Feel free to ask questions or leave a comment below. Our readers would enjoy your feedback.