ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in South Loop
Best Lasagna in Hyde Park
Best Pizza in Loop
Best Cheap Pizza in Loop
Master Critic Review
Giordano's
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
The iconic Chicago stuffed pizza institution since 1974, Giordano's delivers a towering double-crust pie with Wisconsin mozzarella and slow-baked flaky pastry crust. Steps from Willis Tower, this location draws downtown workers and tourists seeking the definitive deep-dish experience with full bar service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Classic Stuffed Pizza, Pepperoni Deep Dish, Cheesy Garlic Bread
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: 50+ years perfecting the stuffed double-crust pizza with six artisans building each pie
Who should go: Deep-dish devotees and Chicago first-timers
When to visit: Weekday lunch avoids tourist rush; order ahead
What to order: Chicago Classic with sausage, any stuffed pie, skillet cookie dessert
Insider tip: Pre-order online to skip the 45-minute bake time wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot - use nearby Loop garages ($20-30 evening) or metered street parking. Willis Tower garage closest option. Excellent CTA access via Blue, Brown, Orange lines.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - tourists in walking shoes and office workers in suits share the dining room. Come comfortable, you're here for the pizza.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - bustling restaurant energy, especially peak hours. Conversation flows fine but intimate it's not.
Weekend wait: 30-60 min for seating without reservation, plus 45 min pizza bake time. Budget 2 hours total.
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min typical, much lighter crowd than dinner. Pre-order pizza to cut total time in half.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - spinach stuffed pizza is a standout, plus veggie deep dish and thin crust options. Pasta and salads round out choices.
Vegan options: Very limited - no vegan cheese option means stuffed pizza is off the table. Garden salads and marinara-based items only.
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Works for the right kind of first date - sharing a massive stuffed pizza is inherently fun and gives you something to talk about. The 45-minute bake wait tests conversation skills. Not romantic-fancy, but memorable and uniquely Chicago.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch, usually yes within 15 minutes. Weekend dinner without a reservation means 30-60 minute waits - call ahead or use the waitlist. Pro move: order your pizza when you put your name down so it's ready when you're seated.
Is it kid-friendly? Excellent for families - kids love watching the cheese pull on stuffed pizza. High chairs available, kids' menu offered, staff accustomed to families. The shared-plate format keeps everyone engaged.
Best For
Better for: The definitive stuffed deep-dish experience with that signature flaky double crust and cheese pull. More polished full-service atmosphere than Lou Malnati's, better for impressing out-of-towners or hosting a group.
Skip if: You want caramelized cheese crust (hit Pequod's), a quick meal (45-min bake minimum), or authentic local-over-tourist vibes - Giordano's leans into its fame