There are plenty of amazing pizza spots scattered across Chicago’s suburbs. From legendary deep-dish pizzerias like Lou Malnati’s and Pequod’s to beloved local joints such as Mama Maria’s in Elmhurst, the suburban pizza scene has something for everyone. In this guide, we highlight where to find the best pizza in the Chicago suburbs – spanning different styles from crispy thin crust to hearty pan pizza. Before you embark on a pizza road trip around Chicagoland, make sure you’re protected on the road — Call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060 for quick, local auto insurance quotes. Now, let’s dig into the top 12 pizza spots you need to try!
1. Lou Malnati’s – The Deep-Dish Icon of the Suburbs
Lou Malnati’s is a Chicago deep-dish icon that has expanded throughout the suburbs. Founded in 1971, this family-owned pizzeria is famous for its buttery crust and chunky tomato sauce. Many locals consider Lou Malnati’s the gold standard for authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza, thanks to its rich cheese, flavorful sausage patty, and that perfectly flaky crust.
Multiple suburban locations make it easy to get a Lou’s pizza wherever you are – from Naperville to Schaumburg and beyond. It’s a popular choice for family dinners and out-of-town guests who want a true Chicago pizza experience without heading into the city. Pro tip: call ahead or order online during peak hours, as this place gets busy with takeout and dine-in customers craving a slice of its legendary pie.
2. Pequod’s Pizza – Caramelized Crust Perfection (Morton Grove)
Pequod’s Pizza in Morton Grove serves up deep-dish pizza with a twist – a ring of crispy, caramelized cheese around the crust that fans absolutely love. This neighborhood joint originated in the suburbs (Morton Grove) back in the 1970s and has since earned a cult following. The pizza is baked in cast-iron pans, yielding a smoky, crunchy crust edge that makes Pequod’s pies instantly recognizable and utterly craveable.
Despite its fame, Pequod’s retains a casual, tavern-like atmosphere where suburban locals rub shoulders with visitors from all over. The walls are adorned with Chicago sports memorabilia, and the vibe is no-frills and friendly. If you’re seeking a must-try pizza experience outside the city, Pequod’s caramelized crust deep dish is an essential stop. Be prepared for a wait during peak times – it’s that popular – but the unique flavor is well worth it.
3. Station 34 (Mount Prospect) – Detroit-Style Delight
Station 34 in Mount Prospect brings Detroit-style pizza to Chicago’s northwest suburbs. This bar and grill is known for its square pan pizzas: think thick, airy crust with a crunchy, cheesy edge (characteristic of Detroit-style) and robust toppings. It’s a delightful change of pace from Chicago’s usual styles, offering a new flavor experience for local pizza enthusiasts.
Located in downtown Mount Prospect, Station 34 has a laid-back pub atmosphere with plenty of TVs and a friendly staff – a great spot to catch a game while enjoying pizza and a drink. The Detroit-style pies here are generously portioned and perfect for sharing. If you love a crispy crust and cheesy “frico” (the caramelized cheese edges), don’t miss Station 34’s signature pizzas, like their barbecue chicken Detroit pie or the classic pepperoni with racing-stripe sauce on top.
4. Mama Maria’s (Elmhurst & Bensenville) – Family-Owned Favorite
Mama Maria’s Pizza is a family-owned favorite serving the western suburbs with love. With locations in Elmhurst and Bensenville, Mama Maria’s has built a loyal following thanks to its fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. They’re especially known for their Margherita pizza, featuring a thin, wood-fired crust topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato – a simple classic done to perfection.
The vibe at Mama Maria’s is warm and welcoming, making it a go-to for family dinners and casual nights out. In addition to their Neapolitan-style pies, they offer a full Italian menu (pasta, salads, and more). The owners and staff often know regulars by name, which adds to the neighborhood charm. If you’re looking for a break from deep dish and crave a taste of old-world Italy in the suburbs, Mama Maria’s should be on your list.
5. Two Brothers From Italy (Elmhurst) – Old-School Thin Crust Tradition
Two Brothers From Italy Ristorante & Pizzeria in Elmhurst has been a cornerstone of the community since the 1970s. This old-school Italian spot specializes in tavern-style thin-crust pizza, the kind cut into square pieces (a Chicago-area tradition). The crust here is thin and crisp but sturdy enough to hold generous toppings, and the sauce and sausage are family recipes passed down through generations.
Stepping into Two Brothers feels like a step back in time (in the best way) – it’s cozy and unpretentious, with checkered tablecloths and a friendly staff that often greets regulars warmly. Locals rave about the fresh ingredients and consistency. Whether you dine in or carry out, you can expect a delicious thin-crust pie made with care. If you’re in Elmhurst or nearby, Two Brothers is a must-visit for classic Chicago thin crust made by people who truly care about their pizza.
6. Antonino’s Ristorante (La Grange & Countryside) – Classic Italian Comfort
Antonino’s Ristorante, with locations in La Grange and Countryside, offers classic Italian comfort food with standout pizza. Family-owned and operated since 1988, Antonino’s prides itself on using their recipes for sauces and dough, delivering a taste of tradition in every bite. Their pizza leans toward a traditional hand-tossed thin crust with Italian flair, loaded with quality toppings like fresh sausage, peppers, and cheeses.
The atmosphere at Antonino’s is cozy and welcoming – you’ll often find multi-generational families enjoying dinner together or couples sharing a pie and wine. Alongside pizza, the menu features pasta, chicken parm, and other Italian favorites, making it a one-stop shop for comfort. If you’re near La Grange, Antonino’s is a trusted local spot where you can relax and savor an excellent pizza in a warm, friendly setting.
7. Lucca’s Pizzeria & Ristorante (La Grange & Countryside) – Perfectly Balanced Pies
Lucca’s Pizzeria & Ristorante is another gem serving the La Grange and Countryside area since 2001. This family-run restaurant has made a name for itself with perfectly balanced pizzas – from the crust texture to the flavorful sauce-to-cheese ratio. The crust is just the right mix of crispy and chewy, and they don’t skimp on the toppings. Each pizza comes out piping hot, with a mouthwatering aroma of herbs and melted cheese filling the air.
A popular choice at Lucca’s is their “Special” pizza, piled high with a little bit of everything (pepperoni, sausage, veggies, you name it). Dine in and you’ll enjoy a bustling yet family-friendly atmosphere; it’s common to see kids happily digging into slices while parents unwind with a glass of Chianti. For those in the southwest suburbs, Lucca’s is a go-to for consistently delicious pizza that satisfies both picky eaters and gourmet palates.
8. Pisa Pizza (Countryside) – Thin Crust with a Loyal Following
Nestled in the Countryside, Pisa Pizza has been a cherished local establishment since 1982. This unassuming spot specializes in Chicago’s original thin-crust pizza and has a loyal following of customers who have been coming for decades. The pizza here is tavern-style: thin, crispy crust cut into squares, with a zesty sauce and a layer of bubbly cheese that goes edge to edge.
Pisa Pizza offers a laid-back, casual dining experience – it’s the kind of place where the staff might recognize you after a few visits and remember your usual order. The menu sticks to what they do best (pizza, plus sandwiches and Italian sides), and they do it exceptionally well. It’s a no-frills, consistently tasty pizzeria that proves you don’t need to be flashy to be one of the best. Many locals swear by Pisa Pizza for their Friday family pizza night tradition.
9. Burt’s Place (Morton Grove) – Legendary Pan Pizza Legacy
Burt’s Place in Morton Grove is a legend in the Chicago pizza scene, carrying on the legacy of the late Burt Katz – the very man who founded Pequod’s. At Burt’s Place, you’ll find an incredible pan pizza that food enthusiasts from all over make pilgrimages to try. The style is similar to Pequod’s (deep dish/pan with caramelized cheese edges), but with Burt’s spin. The crust is medium-thickness, crunchy on the outside yet fluffy inside, and the sauce has a rich, tangy depth.
This small, cozy pizzeria has limited seating and an old-school vibe – it truly feels like a hidden gem. Burt’s Place became so popular that it’s wise to call ahead to reserve your dough (they used to require this to manage demand). The pizza arrives at your table in the same pan it was baked in, cheese still bubbling. From the classic sausage and pepperoni to creative toppings, every pie here is crafted with love and attention. For anyone seeking the ultimate suburban pizza adventure, Burt’s Place is a must-try piece of Chicago pizza history.
10. Labriola (Oak Brook) – Award-Winning Deep Dish & More
Labriola in Oak Brook offers a taste of downtown-quality pizza in the suburbs – in fact, its deep dish has won city-wide acclaim in recent years. This modern Italian restaurant and pizzeria (founded by a renowned Chicago baker, Rich Labriola) serves both an outstanding deep-dish pie and a crispy thin-crust tavern-style pizza. The deep dish at Labriola stands out for its lighter, focaccia-like dough that’s double-proofed, resulting in a crust that’s airy yet sturdy, with a buttery flavor. Topped with flavorful tomato sauce and high-quality cheese, it’s been hailed as one of Chicagoland’s best.
Beyond deep dish, Labriola’s Oak Brook location has a full menu of Italian dishes, plus a bakery section (don’t skip the bread or dessert). The restaurant is a bit more upscale in atmosphere compared to a typical pizza joint, with a lively bar and ample seating – suitable for both family dinners and date nights. If you want top-tier pizza without venturing into Chicago proper, Labriola is an excellent choice. It’s proof that the suburbs can compete with the city when it comes to amazing pizza.
11. Aurelio’s Pizza (Homewood) – South Suburban Thin Crust Staple
Aurelio’s Pizza is a south suburban institution that introduced its first pizza in Homewood, IL, back in 1959. Decades later, Aurelio’s has expanded to many locations, but the original Homewood pizzeria remains iconic. The signature here is a thin-crust pizza with a slightly sweet tomato sauce, loaded with plenty of mozzarella and your choice of toppings. The crust is crisp but not cracker-thin – it has a bit of chew, which makes it quite satisfying.
What sets Aurelio’s apart is the consistency and nostalgia factor. Generations of Chicagoans have grown up eating Aurelio’s, and the brand’s motto “Tell ’em Joe sent you” (a nod to founder Joe Aurelio) still resonates. The Homewood location, in particular, offers a large, family-friendly dining room perfect for team parties, family gatherings, or just a casual night out. While Aurelio’s also offers a stuffed deep-dish at some locations, it’s the thin crust that truly shines and keeps people coming back. If you’re exploring the south suburbs, a stop at Aurelio’s for a sausage-and-cheese pizza is a must for a taste of local history.
12. Bill’s Pizza & Pub (Mundelein) – Rustic Double-Decker Tavern Pizza
For a north suburban adventure, head up to Mundelein and visit Bill’s Pizza & Pub – a family-friendly restaurant serving pizza since 1957. Bill’s is famed for its unique double-decker thin-crust pizza, essentially two thin-crust pizzas layered together with cheese in between, creating a hearty pie that’s still thin and crispy on the edges. They also serve classic single-layer tavern-style pizzas if you prefer the traditional approach. The pizzas are cut into squares and often enjoyed with an icy mug of beer or root beer, as is tradition.
Walking into Bill’s Pizza & Pub feels like entering a rustic lodge – complete with wood-paneled walls, mounted fish and antlers, and a casual, come-as-you-are vibe. It’s common to find peanut shells on the floor (yes, they still offer peanuts to snack on!) and families crowding the big wooden booths. The laid-back atmosphere, combined with the deliciously cheesy double-decker pies, makes it a memorable stop. This is a true Lake County gem – an old-school pizza pub where the recipes haven’t changed and nobody wants them to. If you’re up for a short drive from the city, Bill’s offers a one-of-a-kind pizza experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most famous pizza place in the Chicago suburbs?
A: It’s hard to crown one as the most famous, but Lou Malnati’s and Pequod’s are top contenders. Lou Malnati’s deep-dish has a legendary reputation and many suburban locations, making it very well-known. Pequod’s in Morton Grove is also famous thanks to its unique caramelized crust that attracts pizza lovers from all over.
Q: Can you get true Chicago deep-dish pizza in the suburbs?
A: Absolutely! Many of the best deep-dish pizzerias have suburban outposts. Lou Malnati’s began in the suburbs and still thrives there, and Pequod’s original location is in Morton Grove. You can enjoy authentic Chicago-style deep-dish without venturing into downtown – the quality and taste in the suburbs are just as genuine.
Q: Where can I find Detroit-style pizza around Chicago?
A: Station 34 in Mount Prospect is a great choice for Detroit-style pizza in the Chicago area suburbs. They specialize in the square, thick-crust pies with crispy cheese edges. Additionally, a few other pizzerias and brewpubs around Chicagoland occasionally offer Detroit-style pies, but Station 34 is the go-to dedicated spot for that authentic Motor City pizza experience locally.
Q: Are Chicago suburban pizza restaurants family-friendly?
A: Yes, the vast majority of suburban pizza spots are very family-friendly. Places like Lou Malnati’s, Aurelio’s, and Bill’s Pizza & Pub cater to families with ample seating and a casual atmosphere. You’ll often see kids enjoying slices and even games or coloring sheets to keep them entertained. Whether it’s a date night or a little league team celebration, suburban pizzerias welcome everyone.
Q: What is Chicago tavern-style pizza?
A: Chicago tavern-style pizza is a thin-crust pizza cut into small square pieces (also called party cut). It’s very popular in the suburbs and cities alike. The crust is thin and crispy, usually with a light layer of tangy sauce and toppings spread to the edge. Many of the suburban spots on our list (like Two Brothers, Pisa Pizza, and Bill’s) serve excellent tavern-style pies loved by locals who often prefer this to deep dish for everyday pizza nights.
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