How This Deep-Dish Icon Built a Buttercrust™ Empire in Chicago, Illinois

From a dramatic 1971 opening to nationwide shipping, Lou Malnati’s Buttercrust™ deep dish remains a Chicago obsession rooted in family, flavor, and flawless ingredients.

Photos for Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Chicago, IL
Name
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Address
439 North Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Hours
Sun-Thu 10:30 AM–11 PM, Fri-Sat 10:30 AM–12 AM

Chicago’s deep-dish titan at 439 North Wells St delivers Buttercrust™ perfection that’s enchanted locals since 1971.

This River North powerhouse pulls crowds with heirloom recipes and event stardom.

Buttery layers meet peak-fresh toppings in pure Windy City glory.

Ex-residents ship it coast-to-coast, hooked for life.

Photos for Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Chicago, IL
Maria

How Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria won locals’ hearts

Lou Malnati’s launched in Lincolnwood on St. Patrick’s Day 1971 amid wild opening drama—a car barreling through the wall that ignited massive hype for the deep dish.

Road construction nearly doomed the Elk Grove site early on, yet the signature flaky Buttercrust™ lured fans back in waves.

River North debuted in 1986, sparking endless lines at Taste of Chicago festivals.

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John

Family resolve flipped obstacles into victories, clearing debts and launching nationwide shipping.

Chicagoans treasure the California vine-ripened tomatoes and Wisconsin mozzarella for rock-solid quality over generations.

That cornmeal-semolina crust yields airy, golden magic drawing raves everywhere.

Pies built with low-moisture cheese for ideal melt keep the obsession alive.

From humble beginnings to shipping frozen fame, perseverance sealed undying loyalty.

Food Highlights

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Richie
  • The Lou: Spinach infused with garlic, basil, onion, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes, three cheeses on garlic Buttercrust™—must-have for explosive fresh veggie bliss.

  • Sausage Deep Dish: Lean sausage under extra mozzarella and vine-ripened sauce atop Buttercrust™—core Chicago powerhouse bursting with savory heft.

  • Pepperoni Deep Dish: Pepperoni over mozzarella and sauce—craved for those crispy, flavor-packed curled edges.

  • Spinach Deep Dish: Spinach boosted by garlic, basil, onion, cheese, sauce—irresistible garlicky comfort layers.

  • Chicago Classic: Sausage cornerstone pie channeling Windy City soul—flaky crust and intense taste rule.

  • Deep-Dish IconMalnati Salad: Romaine tossed with tomatoes, salami, gorgonzola, olives, mushrooms, sweet vinaigrette—crisp knockout side for pizza feasts.

Photos for Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Chicago, IL
Joseph

Atmosphere

River North’s Lou Malnati’s pulses with vibrant, easygoing charm made for deep-dish devotees.

A full bar, plus summer patio seating, amps up the lively neighborhood buzz.

Groups share pies tavern-style amid intoxicating aromas and chatter.

Swift staff keeps the festive flow seamless and fun.

Inside Photos for Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Chicago, IL
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Bottom Line

Go for Buttercrust™ wizardry, epic origin tales, festival acclaim, shipping supremacy, and Chicago pie nirvana—pure addiction!

Address: 439 North Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

📞 312-828-9800

🕔 Sun-Thu 10:30 AM–11 PM, Fri-Sat 10:30 AM–12 AM