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“The oldest family name in Chicago-style pizza”
Considered the oldest family name in Chicago pizza, Lou Malnati's is as rich in history as its pizza is in flavor. Lou got his start in the 1940's working in Chicago's first deep dish pizzeria. Lou Malnati took his pizza expertise to Lincolnwood, a northern suburb of Chicago, where he and his wife Jean opened the first Lou Malnati's Pizzeria on March 17, 1971. Lou was known for his fun-loving character as well as making Chicagoland's best pizza. Loyal patrons lined the streets on opening day for a taste of his delicious deep-dish creations. Lou always thought it was funny that an Italian should open a pizzeria in a Jewish neighborhood on an Irish holiday. But that was Lou's style, he loved all types of people and didn't care much about what people thought. After meeting with an enormous success in Lincolnwood, Lou decided to open another pizzeria in a little northwestern suburb by O'Hare Airport, Elk Grove Village. Unfortunately, the Elk Grove location had a tough beginning. A major road construction project began a few months after the restaurant's opening and for 14 months business suffered immensely. At one point the accountants advised Lou to close the doors before it ruined him. But Lou would have nothing to do with that idea and persevered. Sure enough, once the construction ended, people came in droves to Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Elk Grove. In 1978 Lou Malnati met with an untimely death when he fell victim to cancer. Lou's oldest son Marc was just graduating from college and joined his mother in the family business. A few years later Marc's younger brother Rick finished his basketball career at downstate Illinois' Bradley University and he joined the family business as well. The family owned and operated company, now with 36 locations, has continued to grow thanks to its dedicated staff and loyal customers. About 25 percent of Lou Malnati’s full-time staff have given 10 or more years of service. Malnati’s success comes from their commitment to quality. Every Lou Malnati’s pizza is handmade from scratch using the finest and freshest ingredients. Every year the Malnati team hand selects California vine-ripened tomatoes for the perfect sweet and tangy taste. The exclusive sausage blend is seasoned to their exact specifications. The fresh mozzarella cheese comes from the same small dairy that has supplied Lou Malnati’s for over 40 years. And the family’s secret recipe for flaky, buttery crust has been passed down from generation to generation. You’ll know with every bite that each pizza was made with care and special attention. We hope that you have enjoyed this bite of Malnati history and look forward to serving you and your family soon!
First time to order a Chicago deep dish pizza. Delivery was prompt. Always a plus. The large pizza was HEAVY. I could have gotten by with a smaller size. The smell - heavenly. The... Read more
Lou Malanati's Pizzeria was our second pizza stop and first deep dish stop in our Chicago trip. We wanted to secure our table and so we made a reservation ahead of time! We were given the menus... Read more
Wife and I walked the 9 miles here from Jackson Park on a 15 degree day in the bright sunshine. So we were hungry. We were seated right away, and ready to order soon after. We each had a house... Read more
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Hours
- Sun - Thu: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Fri, Sat: 11:00 am - 12:00 am
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Reservations
- Does not take
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Bar
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Breakfast
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Brunch
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Dine In
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Dinner
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Drinks
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Lunch
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Outdoor Seating
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Takeout
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Waitstaff
Parking, Dining
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