Lou Malnati's is a Chicago deep-dish pizzeria with multiple locations across Illinois and beyond

Lou Malnati's serves Chicago-style deep-dish pizza from a chain that started in 1971 on North Clark Street. The restaurant is known for its thick, buttery crust and generous cheese and sauce layers. You order at the counter or by phone, and the pizza takes 30 to 45 minutes to bake in a cast-iron pan.

The menu centers on pizza. You choose a size (small, medium, large, or extra large), then add toppings. The restaurant also serves salads, appetizers like fried mozzarella, and Italian beef sandwiches. Beer and wine are available at most locations.

Lou Malnati's operates company-owned locations in Chicago, the suburbs, and other states. Some locations are franchised. Hours and menus vary slightly by location, so check the specific restaurant's page before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Lou Malnati's deep-dish pizza bakes for 30 to 45 minutes in a cast-iron pan, so plan for a longer meal than thin-crust pizza.
  • You order at the counter or by phone; delivery is available at most locations through the restaurant's website or third-party apps.
  • A small deep-dish pizza feeds two to three people; a large feeds four to five, because the crust is thick and filling.
  • The original location is on North Clark Street in Chicago, and the chain has expanded to multiple states over the past 50 years.
  • Prices are higher than chain pizza restaurants but typical for Chicago deep-dish, ranging from roughly $20 to $40 for a pizza depending on size and toppings.

How to order and what to expect when you arrive

Walk in and order at the counter. You tell the staff your pizza size, crust type (regular or thin, depending on the location), and toppings. Payment happens at the counter before your pizza goes into the oven. Most locations accept cash and cards.

After you order, find a seat. The kitchen will call your name or number when the pizza is ready, usually 30 to 45 minutes later. During busy times (lunch, dinner, weekends), the wait can stretch longer. The restaurant is often crowded, especially at the original North Clark location.

You can also order by phone for pickup or request delivery through the restaurant's website or apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Delivery adds time and a fee, so pickup is faster if you can get there.

Menu items beyond pizza

Lou Malnati's pizza is the main draw, but the menu includes other items. Fried mozzarella (breaded and fried cheese) is a popular appetizer. Salads with Italian dressing are available. Italian beef sandwiches — thin-sliced seasoned beef on a roll — are a Chicago staple sold here.

Desserts include tiramisu and chocolate cake. Beer and wine are served at most locations. Soft drinks and coffee round out the beverage list. The menu is straightforward and does not change much from location to location.

Locations and how to find hours and menus

Lou Malnati's has locations in Chicago, suburbs including Naperville and Deerfield, and other states including Arizona and California. The original restaurant is at 439 North Clark Street in Chicago. Company-owned and franchised locations operate under the Lou Malnati's name but may have slight differences in hours or offerings.

Visit the official Lou Malnati's website to find the location nearest you, see current hours, and view the menu. Each location's page shows phone number, address, and parking information. Third-party delivery apps also list locations and hours, though the restaurant's own site is the most reliable source.

Pricing and what a meal costs

A small deep-dish pizza typically costs between $20 and $25 before tax. A large runs $30 to $40. Each topping adds $1 to $3 depending on the topping and pizza size. Specialty pizzas with preset toppings cost the same as building your own.

Appetizers like fried mozzarella cost $8 to $12. Salads run $10 to $15. Italian beef sandwiches are $12 to $18. These prices vary by location and change over time, so check the specific restaurant's menu for current pricing.

Delivery through third-party apps adds a delivery fee (usually $3 to $8), a service fee (a percentage of your order), and sometimes a small order fee. Ordering directly from the restaurant for pickup avoids these extra charges.

Why deep-dish pizza takes longer to cook

Deep-dish pizza is baked in a cast-iron pan that is oiled and lined with dough. The pan is deeper than a regular pizza tin, so the crust is thicker — often an inch or more. Cheese and sauce go on top of the dough, then toppings, then more cheese. This layering means the pizza needs more time in the oven for the crust to cook through and the cheese to melt and brown.

A thin-crust pizza bakes in 10 to 15 minutes. Lou Malnati's deep-dish takes 30 to 45 minutes. The longer bake time is why you wait. The thick, buttery crust and the generous filling are what make deep-dish different from other pizza styles, and that difference requires time.

Parking and accessibility at different locations

The original North Clark Street location in Chicago has street parking and nearby paid lots. Parking can be tight during busy hours. Suburban locations like Naperville and Deerfield typically have dedicated parking lots, making parking easier.

Most Lou Malnati's locations are wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms. The North Clark location is older and may have limited accessibility; call ahead if you have specific needs. The restaurant's website or a phone call to your chosen location will confirm accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does one Lou Malnati's pizza feed?

A small deep-dish pizza feeds two to three people. A large feeds four to five. Because the crust is thick and filling, a deep-dish pizza feeds fewer people than a thin-crust pizza of the same size. If you are ordering for a group, order larger than you would for thin crust.

Can I order Lou Malnati's online or through delivery apps?

Yes. You can order through the official Lou Malnati's website for pickup or delivery. Most locations are also listed on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Delivery adds fees and time, so pickup is faster if you can get to the restaurant.

What is the difference between Lou Malnati's and other Chicago deep-dish places?

Lou Malnati's, Pizzeria Uno, and other Chicago deep-dish restaurants use similar methods and ingredients. Lou Malnati's is known for a buttery crust and generous cheese. The differences are subtle and come down to personal preference. If you like one, you will likely enjoy the others.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required and are not typically taken for small groups. Walk in and order at the counter. Large groups (10 or more) should call ahead to give the kitchen a heads-up. During very busy times, you may wait for a table even after your pizza is ready.

What if I do not eat meat or dairy?

Lou Malnati's can make a vegetable pizza with no cheese, though deep-dish without cheese is less common. Call the location ahead of time to confirm they can accommodate your needs. Vegan options are limited because the restaurant specializes in cheese-forward pizza.