Chicago's Lake View neighborhood is a pizza lover's paradise. With a vibrant culinary scene, it boasts a diverse range of pizzerias, each offering a unique style and flavor. This guide dives deep into the top 19 pizza places in Lake View, ensuring you find your next perfect slice. We'll explore different styles, from deep-dish to thin crust, and highlight what makes each spot special. Finding the best pizza in Lake View is a delicious adventure, and we're here to guide you.
Deep Dish Delights: Chicago's Signature Style
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a must-try, and Lake View has some excellent options. The thick, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous layers of cheese and toppings create a truly satisfying experience.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Known for its buttery crust and quality ingredients, Lou Malnati's is a Chicago institution. Their deep-dish is legendary, with a perfectly crisp crust and a flavorful sauce. Expect a wait, especially on weekends, as it's incredibly popular. Their sausage is a particular highlight.
Pequod's Pizza
Pequod's is famous for its caramelized cheese crust. The cheese forms a crispy, almost sugary edge around the pizza, adding a unique sweetness that complements the savory toppings. They offer both deep-dish and pan pizza options.
Giordano's
Giordano's is another deep-dish heavyweight, known for its stuffed pizza. Layers of cheese and toppings are sandwiched between two layers of dough, creating a truly decadent experience. It's a great option for sharing.
Thin Crust Treasures: A Lighter Approach
If you prefer a lighter option, Lake View offers several excellent thin-crust pizzerias. These spots often prioritize fresh ingredients and creative toppings.
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
Spacca Napoli boasts a Neapolitan-style thin crust pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. The high heat creates a slightly charred crust with a chewy texture. They offer a rotating selection of seasonal toppings.
Piece Brewery & Pizzeria
Piece Brewery & Pizzeria combines delicious pizza with locally crafted beer. Their thin crust pizzas are known for their fresh ingredients and creative topping combinations. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for a casual night out.
Coalfire Pizza
Coalfire Pizza uses a coal-fired oven to cook their pizzas, giving the crust a unique smoky flavor. The high heat also results in a perfectly charred crust with a slightly crisp texture. They offer both thin crust and thicker options.
Unique & Unexpected Pizza Experiences
Beyond the classic styles, Lake View surprises with unique pizza concepts.
Wildfire
Wildfire offers a sophisticated take on pizza with high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Their pizzas are usually on the higher end of the price scale but the quality justifies the cost.
RPM Italian
RPM Italian is an upscale restaurant with a refined pizza menu. Their pizzas feature unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients. It’s a great option for a special occasion.
Beyond the Deep Dish and Thin Crust: Other Notable Spots
Several other excellent pizzerias in Lake View deserve a mention:
- Dimo's Pizza: Known for its delicious Detroit-style pizza.
- The Purple Pig: Offers delicious pizzas alongside other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Formento's: Upscale Italian restaurant with artisanal pizzas.
- Pizzeria Uno: A Chicago classic, offering a reliable deep-dish experience.
- Pequod's Pizza: (already mentioned above due to its exceptional caramelized crust)
- Papa J's: A local favorite with a more casual and family friendly setting.
- Burt's Place: Known for its extensive topping selection and casual atmosphere.
- Pizzeria La Rossa: Authentic Neapolitan style.
- Barrio: While not solely a pizza joint, they serve excellent pizzas alongside their vibrant Latin American-inspired menu.
- Dolores: Features a wood-fired oven and creative pizza options.
- Lonesome Rose: A fun, more casual atmosphere with tasty pies.
Choosing Your Perfect Slice: A Guide
This extensive list offers a wide range of options. To choose the perfect pizza for you, consider the following:
- Your preferred crust style: Deep-dish, thin crust, Detroit-style, etc.
- Your budget: Prices vary significantly between establishments.
- Your desired atmosphere: Casual, upscale, family-friendly, etc.
- Your preferred toppings: Some places specialize in certain toppings or offer more creative combinations.
Exploring Lake View's pizza scene is an adventure. With this guide, you're well-equipped to find your new favorite pizza place and enjoy a truly delicious experience. Happy eating!
