Lou Malnati’s: A Must‑Try Deep Dish Stop for Families Visiting Chicago

Our trip to Chicago wouldn’t have been complete without diving into some true Chi‑town staples, and of course, Deep Dish Pizza was at the top of the list. We ended up trying two different spots, and one of them was the iconic Lou Malnati’s.

A quick tip for anyone planning a visit: some Lou Malnati’s locations are carry‑out only, so make sure you’re heading to one with a sit‑down restaurant if that’s what you’re looking for. We went the day after Christmas, so the city was buzzing, but we only waited about 10 minutes before being seated—not bad at all for holiday crowds.

Starting Off Strong

I kicked things off with their Red Sangria, and let me just say… delicious and dangerously easy to drink. It was definitely the “Mommy Juice” I needed after a long day of exploring. LOL!

For an appetizer, we ordered the Chicago Style Meatballs, and WOW—these were incredible. Perfectly tender meatballs topped with fresh mozzarella and hot giardiniera. This combo might just be my new favorite way to serve meatballs at home.

The Main Event: Deep Dish Heaven

We went with the Deep Dish Malnati Chicago Classic and added pepperoni—basically a sausage and pepperoni dream. It was exactly what we were craving. The flavor was rich, comforting, and everything you want in a true Chicago deep dish. We even had leftovers, which made for a surprisingly amazing breakfast the next morning.

A Win for Families

Parents, you can relax—@loumalnatis is wonderfully family‑ and kid‑friendly. They offer highchairs and even have a changing table in the bathroom, which is always a huge plus when traveling with little ones.

Add Lou Malnati’s to Your Chicago List

If you’re visiting Chicago and want to experience one of the city’s classic bites, make sure Lou Malnati’s is on your list. It’s delicious, welcoming, and perfect for families looking to enjoy a true taste of the city.

Show me your family visit by tagging me @fabulousfoodventures on Instagram—I love seeing your food adventures as much as I love sharing mine!