One of the most commonly asked questions at Best Western River North's front desk is, “Where do I get deep-dish pizza?” If you're coming to Chicago to chow down on deep-dish, you will be mesmerized by BWRN's proximity to some of the most delicious pies in the world. Deep-dish pizza is a much-argued topic in Chicago. Chicagoans will reconsider their relationships if given an unacceptable response to “What's your favorite deep-dish?” So, when you come to Chicago, carefully consider the options below and make sure you have a good answer to, “What's your favorite deep-dish?” Pizzeria Ora, 0.0 miles Did you see that 0.0 miles figure up there? That's because Pizzeria Ora has one of the best deep-dish pizzas in all of Chicago and it is located inside the hotel! Such buttery, flaky crust. So much cheese. Such wow. And you have the choice of enjoying your pie with the boys in the bar, or having it delivered directly to your room! If you're in Chicago for your own deep-dish pizza tour, start at Pizzeria Ora. Gino's East, 0.1 miles How about that 0.1 miles figure up there? Gino's East is one block away from Best Western River North. Gino's has been making deep-dish pies since 1966, and I've heard from several Chicago residents that they rank as their number one go-to for deep-dish pizza. If you're staying at BWRN, you have to mark Gino's East off your list. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, 0.2 miles I probably don't need to keep doing this, but you see the 0.2 miles figure, right? You should be getting the picture that Best Western River North is precisely where you need to stay if you're planning to try a lot of deep-dish. Lou Malnati's has an exceptional Chicago-style pizza. It's hard to relay accurately, but the pie is unique from other deep-dish iterations, but still retains all the charm that makes deep-dish exceptional. Lou's is probably one of the most common answers I hear when I talk to average Chicagoans about their favorite pies. If you're looking for deep-dish, don't go home without trying one from Lou's. Pizzeria Uno & Pizzeria Due, 0.3 miles It's getting silly, isn't it? It's just 0.3 miles to the fourth and fifth delicious deep-dish pizza joint? We're not even done yet. Look, Pizzeria Uno serves up some of the best ‘za in the entire city—they invented it, after all. Well, pizza historians argue over its invention, but Uno's founder, Ike Sewell, makes a good case. In addition to its fantastic taste, the location is truly unique. The building has an almost city residential feel, while tucked at the corner of Ohio and Wabash—one of the busiest intersections in the city. The coziness of the original location is why they opened Pizzeria Due on the opposite side of the street at 619 N. Wabash. If you want to try the original deep-dish, head down the street to Pizzeria Uno or Pizzeria Due. Giordano's, 0.6 miles Giordano's has the deep-dish pizza you are looking for. Their restaurants are scattered throughout downtown and across the entire city, but the location at 730 N. Rush is unique. When I first moved to Chicago, I vividly recall my first time eating at Giordano's as monumental. The street is quiet, but you can hear and feel the buzz as you get closer to their neon sign. The inside is packed. People are excited. Their cheese can be stretched for days. Your taste buds will never be the same. I adore Giordano's, and you'll be happy about that 0.6-mile walk back to BWRN after you have an extra slice of pie you shouldn't have had. BONUS: Pequod's, 3.9 miles I would feel bad if I didn't include Pequod's in any list about deep-dish pizza. It's not close to Best Western River North. It's not easily accessible via public transportation. You'll want to make a reservation because there's only one location in the city and seating is limited. But, it consistently ranks as the best deep-dish pizza in all of Chicago, and I don't disagree. Pequod's is the insider, local Chicagoan answer to, “What's your favorite deep dish?” If you answer Pequod's, we know you're a local. There's something about the crust that's way better than anywhere else. If you don't mind taking a taxi, make a reservation for Pequod's and see why locals rave about this hidden gem. Yes, other deep dish locations could be on the list. But it is now time for you to venture into the city, sample cheesy, saucy wonders waiting a short walk from BWRN, and let us know your favorite!
