What should I order at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria?
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Deep Dish Pizza
This is the most frequently praised dish, loved for its authentic Chicago style with a buttery, crispy crust and perfectly balanced toppings. Variants mentioned include classic cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and 'The Lou' deep dish which features spinach, mushrooms, and roma tomatoes. Reviewers highlight the quality cheese, flavorful sauce, and the satisfying, filling nature of the pizza.
Wings (Lemon & Pepper Chicken Wings)
Mentioned multiple times as the best wings ever, noted for their crispiness, tender inside, and immaculate lemon & pepper flavor. They are a popular appetizer choice alongside the pizza and are praised for being well-seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Salad (Malnati's Salad)
Recommended as a large, fresh salad option that can feed 2-3 people. It is noted for being a great accompaniment to the rich deep dish pizza and appreciated by guests as a generous portion.
Lou's Bruschetta
Mentioned as a delicious appetizer with good flavor, complementing the deep dish pizza well and contributing to the overall positive dining experience.
Three-Cheese Bread
Recommended as a tasty appetizer that pairs nicely with the main dishes and enhances the meal experience.
Meatballs
Mentioned as a savory appetizer option that guests enjoyed alongside their pizzas.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 12 AM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 12 AM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
About Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Family-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with buttery crusts.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is Lou Malnati's Pizzeria known for?
It is best known for Chicago-style deep dish pizza, especially the classic deep dish and versions like Mike’s Hot Honey deep dish. Reviewers repeatedly call out the buttery crust, thick tomato sauce, and balanced layers of cheese and sausage as the reason it stands out.
What dishes are most recommended at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria?
The most commonly recommended items are the deep dish pizza, especially classic sausage or pepperoni deep dish, Mike’s Hot Honey deep dish, bruschetta, and the Malnati Salad. Reviewers also mention mozzarella bites, fried ravioli, garlic bread, and chicken wings, with the wings and appetizers praised for being crispy and flavorful.
What is the atmosphere like at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, historic, and trendy, with a buzzing but relaxed feel. It suits groups, tourists, families, and solo diners, and several reviews mention a cute dining room and friendly staff that make the experience comfortable even when it is busy.
Is Lou Malnati's Pizzeria good value, and what is the price range?
The price level is $$, and reviewers often say the portions are large enough to share or to take home leftovers. A personal deep dish around $15 was described as filling, and the overall value is helped by the hearty portions and the quality of the buttery crust and toppings.
How long is the wait at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, and when should you go?
Wait times are a consistent theme, and the restaurant is marked as usually having a wait. Reviewers mention about 40 minutes for seating or for a deep dish to come out, so it is best to go when you are not in a rush and to make a reservation if you can, especially on weekend evenings in downtown Chicago.
Is parking available at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually difficult to find a space is available.
Does Lou Malnati's Pizzeria have vegetarian options?
Yes, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria offers vegetarian options.
Is Lou Malnati's Pizzeria kid-friendly?
Yes, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is good for kids.
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