Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Forget the Hype, Let’s Talk Real Lou Malnati’s

Lou Malnati’s. perfect place to enjoy our Chicago style deep dish pizza. Yes, buttery crusts, tangy tomato sauce, and a stringy cheese pulling out on the pie. You got that right, it’s our Chicago style deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s.

Being Chicagoan I always brag about my city and everything around! But, Chicago deep-dish pizza has been tourists favorite as well and they are always making sure to dine at Lou Malnati’s.

But let’s get real. Is Lou’s really worth the hype? As a Chicago native who’s consumed my fair share of deep-dish, I’m here to give you the lowdown, the honest truth, and maybe even a few insider tips.

The Crust: A Love-Hate Relationship

Let’s address the elephant in the room (or should I say, the buttery behemoth on the table): the crust.

Lou’s is famous for its flaky, buttery crust, and it’s undeniably delicious. But here’s the thing: it’s also incredibly rich. Like, “I need a nap after one or two slices” rich.

I would say If you’re a fan of lighter, crispier crusts, this might not be your jam.

The Sauce: Tangy Perfection

Now, this is where Lou’s truly outrun other pizzeria. Their sauce is a thing of beauty: bright, tangy, and with just the right amount of sweetness.

It perfectly complements the richness of the crust and the cheese, creating a flavor symphony that’ll make you say “wow”.

The Cheese: A Stringy Dream

Oh, it’s hard to ignore the cheese. Yes, be ready to handle the gooey load of cheese.

Lou’s uses a blend of mozzarella and Wisconsin cheddar, and the result is pure cheesy bliss. Just be prepared for a potential cheese crash afterwards.

The Toppings: Keep it Simple

While Lou’s offers a variety of toppings, I firmly believe that less is more when it comes to their deep-dish.

The classic sausage is a must-try, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other options like pepperoni or mushrooms.

I must insist that just avoid overloading your pizza, or you’ll risk drowning out the other flavors.

The Verdict: A Chicago Classic (with a Caveat)

So, is Lou Malnati’s worth the hype? Personally I would say YES, but with a caveat.

It’s a classic Chicago experience, and their sauce is truly exceptional. However, the richness of the crust can be overwhelming for some, and it’s definitely not a pizza you can eat every day

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a slightly less intense experience, try their thin crust pizza. It’s still delicious, but with a lighter, crispier crust that won’t weigh you down quite as much.

Final Thoughts:

Lou Malnati’s is a Chicago’s must try dining place, at least once. While it might not be the perfect pizza for everyone, but I recommend to try at least once.

Just remember to go in with an empty stomach and an open mind.

You may also want to read my post on Gino’s East on Magnificent Mile.