National Pizza Day is fast approaching, and pizzerias nationwide will be busy. But what city has the best and best pizza style? Everybody has an opinion on where to find the best pizza in America. Some say New York, with its thin crust, is the best. On the other hand, many others say the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is superior. Whatever your choice is, almost everyone loves a good slice of pizza. Look at some of the best old-school pizzerias in Chicago or New York for National Pizza Day! If you can’t be there, you might be able to have it shipped to you!
National Pizza Day Suggestions
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Tip: Order online to avoid the wait! Pizzerias will be very busy on National Pizza Day!
Gino’s East
162 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 266-3337
www.ginoseast.com
Regarding Chicago’s bests, Gino’s East is always part of the conversation. Family-owned since 1966, Gino’s takes pride in its secret dough recipe. That’s nothing of its premium quality ingredients, including locally sourced meats. Opting for favorites like Gino’s Supreme, Meaty Legend, or Chicago Fire would be best. You have two Chicago locations, but Gino’s East has expanded to Nashville and Los Angeles.
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Giordano’s
730 N. Rush St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 951-0747
www.giordanos.com
You won’t have to travel far to find a Giordano’s in Chicago. That’s because there are more than 15 locations. Moreover, you still have multiple choices if you want a location in the Loop. Giordano’s is famous for its stuffed deep-dish pizza, featuring an old-school family recipe originating over 200 years ago. It’s often regarded as serving Chicago’s Best Pizza. You can make your pizza or try old-school favorites like the Chicago Classic or The Special. There are several Giordano pizzerias in Chicago.
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Lou Malnati’s
6649 Lincoln Ave.
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 673-0800
www.loumalnatis.com
Long established and family-owned, Lou Malnati’s is another landmark Chicago business. Lou Malnatti’s history with deep-dish pizza dates back to the 1940s. You can visit the original location in the Chicago suburb of Lincolnwood. However, the South Loop location is the most centralized. On the other hand, there are nearly 60 locations in the Chicago area. Do you want choices? Try the buttercrusted Deep Dish Malnati, Deep Dish the Lou, or Deep Dish Pepperoni.
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Pequod’s Pizza
2207 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-1512
www.pequodspizza.com
Established in Morton Grove in 1970, Pequod’s is the least familiar pizzeria listed here. Nonetheless, don’t overestimate or ignore their deep-dish pizza. To put it another way, Pequod’s ranks among Chicago’s finest. Furthermore, Peduod’s has more options for pan or thin-crust pizzas. Try the Chicago Lunch Special on National Pizza Day, a 7” pan pizza for just $6.95. Lastly, Peduod’s is so good that many locals say they serve the best pan pizza in Chicago.
Pizzeria Uno Chicago
29 East Ohio ST.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 321-1000
www.unos.com
Although its Chicago presence has diminished, Pizzeria Uno is a Chicago icon. It’s often credited with serving the first Chicago-style deep-dish pizza in 1943. Despite its old-school fame, only two locations remain in Chicago. Fortunately, both spots are within one block of each other. You’ll enjoy any selection, but consider the Chicago Classic, Numero Uno, or the savory Farmer’s Market.
New York Style Thin Crust Pizza
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
One Front St.
New York, NY
(718) 858-4300
www.grimaldispizzeria.com
Acclaimed for its coal-fired pizza, Grimaldi’s is another landmark pizzeria you must visit. After all, it’s been named the New York’s Best Pizzeria by Zagat and the Food Network. It even earned the Five Stars Diamond Award four years running. You’ll have several options at Grimaldi’s, like the classic Margherita and Brooklyn Bridge. Due to its popularity, Grimaldi’s has multiple locations across the U.S. There are four Grimaldi’s pizzerias in Las Vegas and three in Phoenix.
Joe’s Pizza
7 Carmine St.
New York, NY
(212) 366-1182
It’s often said that you haven’t tried New York pizza if you haven’t been to Joe’s. In brief, this “Greenwich Village institution” is known for serving NYC’s most authentic slice. The Greenwich pizzeria was opened in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli, who immigrated from Naples, Italy. Although there are five NYC locations, stop by the original location. Besides, you might even meet Joe himself, who still works there. On the other hand, the original is also one of his busiest. Among the different locations you can find Joe’s Pizza are in Times Square and near Wall Street,
John’s of Bleeker St.
278 Bleeker St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 243-1680
www.johnsofbleecker.com
Just one look at John’s storefront and you know it exemplifies old school. Look again, and you’ll notice “No Slices” to the left and “Since 1929” on the right. Moreover, you only have two pizza pie size choices, and specialties aren’t cheap. Take, for example, the Jimmy Gambino, which costs $33 for a large, and The Fifty, which costs $48. You’ll have to wait in line, but most say it’s worth the time and money.
Lombardi’s
32 Spring St.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 941-7994
www.firstpizza.com
You can expect big crowds here on National Pizza Day. After all, Lombardi’s is recognized as America’s very first pizzeria. Opened in 1905, not every New Yorker will say Lombardi’s is among the city’s best. What’s more, it draws more tourists than most other places. On the other hand, its old school, coal-fired pizzas are a New York staple. Either way, do yourself a favor and order in advance. The classics are solid, like the Margherita and the Double Pepperoni.
Tip: Make sure to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted. However, there is an ATM machine on site. The Spring Street location is one of two Lombardi’s pizzerias in New York.
Totonno’s Pizzeria
1524 Neptune Ave.
Brooklyn NY 11224
(718) 372-8606
www.totonnosconeyisland.com
A Coney Island landmark since 1924, Totonno’s is both old school and among NYC’s best pizzerias. To clarify, it’s been named the city’s best by the New York Times, Zagat, and the James Beard Foundation. What’s more, it was once named the Best Pizza in America by the Food Network. One of the few remaining local coal-fired pizza establishments, Totonno’s specialties include the Margherita, Neapolitan, and the Bianca.
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About The Author:
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, he reportedly had a digital audience reach of 489 million and more than 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additional stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, and Radio.com. He is a Media Fellow of Stanford University.