No need to fight traffic and pay for parking to enjoy Chicago's most famous dish! Some of the best deep dish in the entire metro area is thriving in the western suburbs—no skyline views required.

Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to the area and hoping to avoid the downtown trek, these suburban spots deliver that gooey, cheesy, buttery-crust perfection right in your backyard. And they're perfect for ordering for your upcoming holiday hosting duties!

🍕 1. Lou Malnati’s — Multiple Western Suburb Locations

Best for: The classic Chicago-style flavor everyone knows
One of the most recognizable names in deep dish, Lou Malnati’s has long mastered the perfect balance of a flaky, buttery crust with a rich, chunky tomato sauce. The Naperville, Oak Brook, and Downers Grove locations make it easy for west suburbanites to get the full Chicago experience without leaving the suburbs.

Try: The “Malnati Chicago Classic”
Vibe: Family-friendly, reliable, and consistently good.

🍕 2. Aurelio’s Pizza — Downers Grove, Naperville, Woodridge

Best for: A slightly different take on deep dish with a loyal fan base
While Aurelio’s is better known for thin crust, their deep dish is surprisingly excellent and often overlooked. The sauce has a bit more sweetness, and the cheese pull is chef’s kiss.

Try: Deep Dish Cheese + Sausage (simple but perfect)
Vibe: Old-school pizza parlor charm.

🍕 3. Giordano’s — Elmhurst, Lisle, Downers Grove, Naperville, Glen Ellyn

Best for: Stuffed pizza lovers
Giordano’s is the king of the “stuffed” style — a taller, cheese-loaded cousin of traditional deep dish. If you want a slice that doubles as a small workout, Giordano’s is your spot.

Try: The Special (stuffed with green peppers, mushrooms, onions, and pepperoni)
Vibe: Casual and reliable with generous portions.

🍕 4. Pequod’s Pizza — Carry-Out/Delivery to Some Western Suburbs

(If you’re near Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, or Downers Grove, you’re often within delivery or pickup range.)

Best for: Caramelized crust lovers
Pequod’s is famous for its nearly cult-level following in Chicago. Their caramelized-cheese crust is crispy, buttery, and unlike anything else you can find. The Westmont location (formerly a ghost kitchen, sometimes open for pickup depending on the season) gives suburban residents a shot at the city’s most iconic deep dish without the schlep.

Try: Sausage — they do it Chicago-style, full patty
Vibe: Iconic, bold, and heavy-hitting.

🍕 5. Gino’s East — Wheaton & St. Charles

Best for: A deep dish that tastes like old-school Chicago nostalgia
Gino’s East has that distinctive golden, slightly cornmeal-like crust that deep-dish purists love. The Wheaton location in particular is great for big groups or families, and they nail the sauce-to-cheese ratio every time.

Try: The Meaty Legend
Vibe: Classic, casual, and full of Chicago personality.

🍕 6. Bricks Wood Fired Pizza — Wheaton & Lombard

Best for: An underrated suburban gem
Bricks is known for its wood-fired pizza, but locals swear by their deep dish — which has a lighter, almost “artisan” twist on the style. It’s ideal if you want something rich but not quite as heavy as the big chains.

Try: The Deep Dish Italian Sausage + Ricotta
Vibe: Cozy, stylish, and low-key.

🍽️ Final Take

You don’t have to brave Lake Shore Drive or downtown crowds to get exceptional deep dish. The western suburbs have a rich, underrated pizza scene with everything from old-school Chicago institutions to indie spots crafting their own spin on the classic.

Whether you're craving a classic Lou’s slice or ready to explore lesser-known gems, deep dish greatness is closer than you think.