Chicago Pizza Giordano's Vs Lou Malnati's
Introduction
Chicago, the Windy City, is known for its deep-dish pizza. Two of the most popular deep-dish pizza joints in Chicago are Giordano's and Lou Malnati's. Both restaurants have a loyal following, but which one is better? In this article, we'll compare Giordano's and Lou Malnati's to determine which restaurant serves the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago.
History of Giordano's
Giordano's was founded in 1974 by Efren and Joseph Boglio. The brothers grew up in Torino, Italy, and moved to Chicago in the 1950s. They opened their first restaurant in the south suburbs of Chicago and quickly became known for their stuffed pizza. Today, Giordano's has over 60 locations in the United States.
History of Lou Malnati's
Lou Malnati's was founded in 1971 by Lou Malnati, a former employee of Pizzeria Uno. Malnati opened his first restaurant in Lincolnwood, a suburb of Chicago. Malnati's deep-dish pizza recipe was passed down from his father, Rudy Malnati Sr., who was one of the founders of Pizzeria Uno.
Crust
The crust is an important part of any pizza, and deep-dish pizza is no exception. Giordano's crust is buttery and flaky, while Lou Malnati's crust is more bread-like and crispy. Both crusts are delicious, but it really depends on personal preference.
Cheese
Both Giordano's and Lou Malnati's use a lot of cheese in their deep-dish pizzas. Giordano's uses a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese, while Lou Malnati's uses a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Giordano's cheese is gooey and stretchy, while Lou Malnati's cheese is more flavorful. Again, it comes down to personal preference.
Sauce
The sauce is a key component of any pizza, and both Giordano's and Lou Malnati's have excellent sauces. Giordano's sauce is chunky and slightly sweet, while Lou Malnati's sauce is more tangy and savory. Once again, it's a matter of personal taste.
Toppings
Both Giordano's and Lou Malnati's offer a variety of toppings, including sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. Lou Malnati's also offers some unique toppings, such as giardiniera and spinach. Giordano's toppings are evenly distributed throughout the pizza, while Lou Malnati's toppings are piled high on top of the cheese. Again, it depends on personal preference.
Price
Deep-dish pizza is not cheap, but both Giordano's and Lou Malnati's are reasonably priced. A small cheese pizza at Giordano's costs around $16, while a small cheese pizza at Lou Malnati's costs around $14. Both restaurants also offer specials and deals throughout the year.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere of a restaurant can greatly affect the dining experience. Giordano's has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, with TVs and sports memorabilia decorating the walls. Lou Malnati's has a more upscale atmosphere, with white tablecloths and dim lighting. Both restaurants are family-friendly and welcoming.
Locations
Giordano's has over 60 locations in the United States, with the majority of them located in the Chicago area. Lou Malnati's has fewer locations, but they are spread out throughout the Chicago area and beyond. Both restaurants also offer online ordering and delivery.
Conclusion
So, which deep-dish pizza is better, Giordano's or Lou Malnati's? The answer is... it depends! Both restaurants serve delicious deep-dish pizza, but the crust, cheese, sauce, and toppings are slightly different. It really comes down to personal preference. Try them both and decide for yourself which one you like better!