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Lou Malnati's PizzeriaB+Worth Trying
805 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
· Pizza restaurant, Pizza delivery
· 4.5/5 Google (9565 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Iconic Chicago deep dish with buttery crust and tangy tomato sauce; busy, lively, great for groups and first-timers, but expect long waits and occasional service hiccups.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Lou Malnati's delivers iconic deep-dish pizza with exceptional buttery crust and tangy sauce that justifies its legendary status among Chicago pizza institutions. However, inconsistent execution—occasional dry or underbaked pies— and substantial wait times of 45–60+ minutes prevent grade A territory. The combination of strong core product, solid service attentiveness, and destination appeal makes it a worthwhile visit for deep-dish seekers, though consistency and pacing remain limiting factors.
Restaurant Summary
This South Loop institution feels lively and classic, the kind of place where servers steer first-timers to the right size and TVs hum with big games. One diner summed it up: "We pre-ordered, waited for our table, and the pizza arrived bubbling and worth it." Owner follow-ups are common, and the room buzzes with tourists and locals chasing a cheese pull. However, expect long waits at peak times. The cooking leans traditional deep dish with a buttery crust, bright tomato sauce, and heavy mozzarella. The culinary approach is classic and portion-driven: think hearty pies, crowd-pleasing apps like Ravioli Crisps, and a sleeper hit in the Chicago-style meatballs with burrata and giardiniera. When the bake hits, it is rich and satisfying; a few reviews note occasional dryness or underbake, so pacing and size choice matter. Families do well here thanks to pizza, pasta, and the cookie dessert. The menu also lists vegetarian pies, salads, and even crustless gluten-free options, making it easier for mixed dietary needs. If your kid is sauce-shy, a simple cheese or thin crust tends to land. It is boisterous at rush hour, so earlier reservations help with little ones.
At a Glance
- Iconic deep dish with buttery crust and tangy sauce
- Portions are huge; great for sharing and leftovers
- Peak waits are long; deep dish bake adds 45–60 minutes
- Occasional service and host-stand friction at peak load
- Quality inconsistency on off-nights (dry or underbaked pies)
What Sets It Apart
- iconic_chicago_deep_dish
- buttercrust_tradition
- crustless_gluten_free_option
- ship_it_home_fans
What People Love
- That first buttery, crisp crust bite
- Bright tomato sauce and serious cheese pull
- Staff guiding size and timing for best experience
- Ravioli Crisps and meatballs that over-deliver
Points of Concern
- Plan for a wait and a long bake time; pre-order to shorten table-to-pizza lag
- Host stand can feel brusque during surges; service occasionally slips
- A minority report dryness or underbaked dough; quality varies by rush
- Pricing for personal size or delivery can feel high for some diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-$45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Order a small deep dish to share and add one appetizer
- Vegetarian diners: The Lou or Veggie pies plus House Salad
- Gluten-free diners: Try crustless pizza or small GF thin crust
Perfect For
- First-time Chicago deep dish experience
- Group dinners before or after downtown events
- Casual family night with shareable plates
- Takeout when you want a hot, hearty pie
Location Insights
Area: Busy downtown-adjacent corridor serving office workers, students, and visitors; lively nights and weekends.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked; typical downtown awareness recommended at night.
Nearby: Near colleges, hotels, and attractions like Grant Park and Museum Campus; heavy event traffic impacts waits.
South LoopThe South Loop is a vibrant neighborhood blending residential high-rises with commercial spaces and cultural venues. It has a growing dining scene featuring casual eateries, upscale restaurants, and diverse cuisines catering to office workers, residents, and visitors. The area is generally safe, walkable, and well-connected by public transit.
Printer's RowPrinter's Row is a historic sub-area within the South Loop known for its loft-style apartments and literary heritage. It offers a quieter, more intimate dining atmosphere with boutique cafes and artisanal restaurants popular among locals and visitors seeking a relaxed urban vibe.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–23:00
Tuesday11:00–23:00
Wednesday11:00–23:00
Thursday11:00–23:00
Friday11:00–00:00
Saturday11:00–00:00
Sunday11:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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