If you’re heading to Chicago, trying authentic deep-dish pizza should be at the top of your food bucket list. On our recent visit to the Windy City, we made sure to stop by Giordano’s Pizza at 130 E Randolph St, an iconic location conveniently nestled between Millennium Park and the Chicago River.
It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite before or after exploring Cloud Gate (The Bean), the Chicago Art Institute, the Architecture Cruise, or a scenic walk along the waterfront.
Arriving at Giordano’s
Since deep-dish pizza is known for its longer cooking time, we planned our visit accordingly. We arrived on a weekday (in winter) around 11:30 AM and were pleasantly surprised that we didn’t have to wait for a table. However, if you’re visiting during peak hours or in the summer, you might want to factor in a wait time.
As expected, our deep-dish pizza took about 45 minutes to bake, which is something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight schedule. Luckily, the wait was well worth it—and we found the perfect way to pass the time!
Starting with an Appetizer
To tide us over while waiting for our pizza, we ordered the Mozzarella Triangles. Normally, I’m not a huge fan of mozzarella sticks, but these were delicious—crispy on the outside with melty, flavorful cheese inside. I had to stop myself from eating too many to save room for the main event!
The Main Event: Chicago Classic Deep Dish
When our Chicago Classic deep-dish pizza arrived, it was love at first bite. It was loaded with pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, all layered under a generous helping of gooey, melted cheese and topped with a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce.
One of the biggest surprises for me was the crust. Unlike traditional pizza crusts, this one was flaky, buttery, and almost pastry-like. It added a whole new dimension to the deep-dish experience and balanced the rich, cheesy filling perfectly. I ate way more than I should have—but every bite was absolutely worth it!
More Than Just Deep Dish
While Giordano’s is famous for its deep-dish pizza, they also offer thin-crust (tavern-style) pizza, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. So, if deep dish isn’t your thing (or if you have someone in your group who wants a different option), there are plenty of choices to satisfy everyone.
Giordano’s Pizza: Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Chicago, Giordano’s is a must for an authentic deep-dish pizza experience. The location near Millennium Park makes it super convenient, and the food is simply incredible. Just remember to allow extra time for your pizza to cook, and if you’re really hungry when you arrive, grab an appetizer to hold you over!
Would I go back? Absolutely. Some of the best pizza I’ve ever had—and I’m already craving it again!
Find out more about our trip to the Windy City: 36 Hours in Chicago: A Whirlwind Adventure
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