15 Chicago-Style Pizzas Worth Traveling For, Even Outside The Windy City
Chicago-style pizza is legendary for its thick, buttery crust, gooey cheese, and tangy tomato sauce piled high in a deep dish. While the Windy City perfected this iconic food, you don’t need a plane ticket to Illinois to get your fix.
Amazing pizzerias across America are serving up authentic Chicago-style slices that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, proving that great deep-dish can travel far from home.
1. Little Star Pizza – Berkeley, CA
California knows its pizza game, and Little Star proves it with every slice.
Their Deep Old School pizza is a masterpiece of layers—thick, flaky crust cradling rivers of mozzarella and a zesty tomato sauce that tastes like it came straight from a Chicago kitchen.
Locals rave about the cornmeal crust that adds a subtle crunch you won’t forget.
Even picky Chicago natives admit this place nails the authentic flavor.
Perfect for anyone craving that deep-dish magic on the West Coast.
2. Vero Chicago Pizza – Phoenix, AZ
Desert heat meets Chicago comfort at Vero Chicago Pizza.
Every sauce and topping gets made from scratch daily, giving each pie that homemade soul you’d expect from a family-run spot in Illinois.
They offer deep-dish, thin crust, and their famous butter crust that melts in your mouth.
Chicagoans visiting Phoenix actually get nostalgic here—that’s how real it tastes.
Grab a cold drink and settle in for a cheesy, saucy adventure worth the trip.
3. Third Coast Pizza – Lenexa, KS
Kansas might surprise you with its pizza prowess.
Third Coast Pizza brings the heartland and the Windy City together with their Windy City Pizza, loaded with locally sourced meatballs and Italian sausage that pack serious flavor.
The crust rises tall and golden, holding everything together like edible architecture.
It’s comfort food that feels both familiar and exciting.
One bite and you’ll understand why Kansas City folks make the drive to Lenexa just for this pizza.
4. Tony’s Little Italy Pizza – Placentia, CA
Southern California gets a taste of the Midwest at Tony’s.
Famous for their towering deep-dish pizzas and homemade cannolis, this spot delivers nostalgia with every order.
The cheese stretches for days, and the sauce has that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Families love this place because the portions are huge and the vibe is welcoming.
Save room for dessert—those cannolis are legendary and pair perfectly with a belly full of pizza.
5. Heirloom Pizza – Monterey, CA
Coastal California meets Chicago tradition at Heirloom Pizza.
They pile on fresh toppings like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula, giving classic deep-dish a gourmet twist.
The crust is buttery and flaky, and the cheese practically spills over the sides.
It’s the kind of pizza that feels indulgent but also surprisingly fresh.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this Monterey gem delivers flavor that sticks with you long after the last bite.
6. Mr. Gilberti’s Place – Hollister, MO
Tucked near the Branson area, Mr. Gilberti’s is a hidden treasure.
They serve both Chicago-style thin crust and pan pizzas, giving you options depending on your mood.
Reviews consistently call this the best pizza in the region, and once you taste it, you’ll see why.
The crust is crispy yet chewy, and the toppings are piled on generously.
It’s the perfect stop after a day of exploring Missouri’s lakes and entertainment spots.
7. Windy City Pie – Seattle, WA
Seattle’s rainy days call for hearty comfort food.
Windy City Pie answers with deep-dish pizzas featuring a caramelized crust inspired by Chicago’s legendary Pequod’s.
That crispy, almost burnt-cheese edge is pure heaven for pizza lovers.
Each slice is rich, cheesy, and satisfying enough to warm you up on the gloomiest Pacific Northwest afternoon.
Seattleites swear by this place, and visitors often make it a must-stop on their food tours.
8. Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co. – Overland Park, KS
Overland Park just got a whole lot cheesier.
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co. specializes in stuffed pizzas that layer thick mozzarella between two crusts, then top it all with zesty tomato sauce.
It’s like a pizza sandwich that weighs a ton and tastes like pure joy.
One slice can easily fill you up, so come hungry or plan to take leftovers home.
This place transports you straight to Chicago without leaving Kansas.
9. Rosati’s Pizza – Multiple Locations Across the USA
Rosati’s brings Chicago authenticity to neighborhoods nationwide.
With locations scattered across the country, this chain keeps the deep-dish dream alive for folks far from Illinois.
Their pizzas feature that signature thick crust, gooey cheese, and robust tomato sauce.
Whether you order deep-dish or thin crust, the flavor stays consistent and delicious.
It’s reliable, satisfying, and proof that good pizza can travel and still taste like home.
10. Giordano’s – Expanded Locations Beyond Chicago
Giordano’s is a Chicago legend that’s gone national.
Their stuffed deep-dish pizzas are famous for flaky, buttery crusts that shatter with each bite.
Cheese oozes from every angle, and the sauce sits on top like a crown.
With locations popping up in states like Florida, Nevada, and Ohio, you can get a taste of the original without booking a flight.
It’s the closest thing to teleporting to Chicago for dinner.
11. Lou Malnati’s – Select Locations Outside Illinois
Lou Malnati’s is synonymous with Chicago pizza royalty.
Known for their buttery crust made with a secret family recipe, they’ve expanded to select cities outside Illinois.
Each pie is packed with mozzarella, sausage, and a chunky tomato sauce that’s tangy and rich.
Fans of deep-dish swear by Lou’s for good reason—it’s the gold standard.
If there’s a location near you, consider yourself lucky and go immediately.
12. Pequod’s Pizza – Expanded to Morton Grove, IL and Beyond
Pequod’s is famous for one thing: that caramelized cheese crust.
The edges get crispy and almost burnt in the best way possible, creating a flavor explosion with every bite.
Originally a Chicago staple, they’ve expanded to Morton Grove and other spots, making it easier to experience this unique style.
The pan pizza is thick, hearty, and downright addictive.
Once you try it, regular pizza just won’t hit the same anymore.
13. Gino’s East – Locations Across Multiple States
Gino’s East is an institution with a rebellious streak.
Their cornmeal crust gives the pizza a slightly sweet, crunchy texture that’s totally unique.
With locations in states like Texas, California, and Georgia, they’ve spread the Chicago gospel far and wide.
The walls are covered in graffiti from happy customers, adding to the fun, casual vibe.
It’s messy, delicious, and exactly what deep-dish should be—pure comfort in every slice.
14. Uno Pizzeria & Grill – Nationwide Locations
Uno claims to be the birthplace of Chicago deep-dish pizza.
With restaurants nationwide, they’ve made it easy for everyone to taste a piece of history.
The crust is thick and doughy, the cheese is plentiful, and the sauce is tangy and bright.
It’s classic, no-frills deep-dish that satisfies every time.
Whether you’re in a mall or a downtown strip, Uno brings that Chicago flavor wherever you are.
15. Zachary’s Chicago Pizza – Oakland and San Ramon, CA
California’s Bay Area loves Zachary’s for good reason.
Their stuffed pizzas are loaded with fresh veggies, savory meats, and mountains of cheese sandwiched between two crusts.
The tomato sauce on top is chunky and flavorful, tying everything together perfectly.
Lines can get long, but the wait is worth it every single time.
It’s a Bay Area tradition that rivals anything you’d find back in Chicago itself.
