Description: I had to visit the Chicago pizza legend, Lou Malnati's Pizza. For lunch, I visited the Chicago River North location on Wells near Hubbard.
I was given a friendly greeting and seated at the rear dining area. There's a sidewalk dining area in front of the restaurant, a bar area in the front, rear dining area, and upstairs private dining room. Various sports memorabilia from local sports figures adorn the walls of Lou Malnatis. I sat under a Steve Carlton White Sox jersey.
My server gave me a friendly greeting and took my drink order. I browsed the menu, which obviously included their famous Chicago style pizza. There were appetizers such as bruschetta, fried calamari, breaded mushrooms, and others, all sounding very good. There were also soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and a lunch menu. I chose the express menu lunch special. That includes a salad and 6 inch pizza and drink. I chose the pepperoni pizza.
My salad was actually quite large, considering it was part with a lunch special. The veggies were quite fresh and crisp. I ate some, but saved my stomach for the pizza. By now, a lively lunch crowd had filled the restaurant.
About 10 minutes after ordering, the pizza arrived! While small, the pizza still looked very yummy. Chicago style pizza doesn't have thick crust. Rather, the crust is actually somewhat thin, it's just pulled up over the rim of a deep dish, creating a deeper area to load it up with toppings. My pepperoni pizza was absolutely delicious, it was loaded up with plenty of cheese and pepperoni. The taste is actually a bit on the sweet side, just the way I like it. I made quick work of the pizza and found that it was just the right amount of food.
My check arrived and it was a total of no more than $8 before tip. The service was very good, and the food was excellent. I would like to go back to Lou Malnati's with a larger group when I have more time. That way, I could try out more things on the menu. Just looking around the restaurant at other people's food left me longing for more.
Lou Malnati's definately matches the hype for me. I will make it a point to go back when I'm in Chicago again.
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