Widely regarded as the birthplace of Chicago deep-dish pizza, Pizzeria Uno is one of the Windy City’s most famous food stops. Though it has spawned nationally franchised locations under the Uno Pizzeria & Grill name, the original Pizzeria Uno, founded by Ike Sewell in 1943, still stands at the corner of East Ohio Street and North Wabash Avenue in Downtown Chicago.
There is much argument about the true origins of deep-dish pizza, but most can agree that Pizzeria Uno was, if not the birthplace of deep-dish, key in popularizing the style. This legendary local landmark still wears its 1940s trappings with elegance, including its pressed-tin ceiling, tiled floor, and long wooden bar.
Hearty, cheesy, and over-the-top decadent, the deep-dish pizza here is prepared with a thin layer of crust molded into a pie dish, which is then layered with “toppings” on the bottom and filled with cheese before being topped with ladlefuls of chunky tomato sauce. Up to several inches thick and perfect for the city’s frigid winters, this Chicago signature is best at the source—and given Pizzeria Uno’s convenient location, it’s easy to visit as part of a Downtown pizza crawl.
Pizzeria Uno is at 29 E. Ohio St., at the intersection with North Wabash Avenue, in the River North neighborhood. The nearest station, Grand Street, is on the Red Line and just two blocks away. The area is also served by several bus lines and isn’t far from the Michigan Avenue ferry terminal, for those taking the Chicago Water Taxi.
The original Pizzeria Uno location is open daily, from late in the morning until late in the evening (Pizzeria Due maintains similar opening hours). It tends to be busiest during weekends and the heights of summer vacation, so plan on coming early or visiting on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Pizzeria Uno is one of Chicago’s best-known pizzerias, and it’s not alone. Other local purveyors that specialize in deep-dish or stuffed pizza include Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East, Giordano’s, Nancy’s, Pequod’s, and more. Embark on a Chicago pizza tour to sample numerous takes on the city’s culinary claim to fame.
