Lou Malnati's Pizzeria · Chicago
Deep dish on the flaky Buttercrust in River North, from the Malnati family pizzeria founded in 1971
Lou Malnati's has been baking Chicago deep dish since 1971, and this River North location has been part of the story since 1986. Lou Malnati and his wife Jean opened the first pizzeria in Lincolnwood on March 17, 1971, and the family traces its deep-dish roots to the original Pizzeria Uno, where Lou worked alongside his father in the 1940s before building his own name.
The room is a full-service restaurant and bar. The signature is The Malnati Chicago Classic: lean sausage, extra mozzarella, and vine-ripened tomato sauce baked on the trademarked flaky Buttercrust. Vegetarians reach for The Lou, with a spinach mix, mushrooms and sliced Roma tomatoes under three cheeses on a garlic Buttercrust.
Beyond the dining room, the River North kitchen handles carryout and delivery, and a semi-private event space takes corporate dinners, family parties and rehearsal dinners, with the full bar pouring wine, spirits and beer. It makes an easy first-night-in-Chicago meal or a hearty anchor before a night out.
Reservations are taken at every Lou Malnati's dine-in location, River North included.
Address: 439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, Chicago
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria takes reservations through OpenTable. This MyRSVP guide covers the room, what it is known for and when to go in Chicago; use the booking link on this page to reserve direct.
Hours of operation
- Monday: 11:00 - 23:00
- Tuesday: 11:00 - 23:00
- Wednesday: 11:00 - 23:00
- Thursday: 11:00 - 23:00
- Friday: 11:00 - 00:00
- Saturday: 11:00 - 00:00
- Sunday: 11:00 - 23:00
Frequently asked about Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
How do I get a reservation at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Chicago?
Tables at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria are booked directly with the restaurant. If it is part of a bigger Chicago plan, our Chicago team handles the nightlife around your dinner and can point you to the venue's own reservations channel.
What should I order at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria?
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is best known for its signature dishes and shareable plates. Tell MyRSVP your party size and any dietary needs and we note them with your request.
What is the dress code at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria?
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria keeps an upscale dining dress code: smart, dressed-up attire, no athletic wear or beachwear. MyRSVP confirms any current door specifics with your booking.
Where is Lou Malnati's Pizzeria located?
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is in Chicago, at 439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654. MyRSVP can build it into a full Chicago itinerary alongside the surrounding nightlife.
Featured in
Other Chicago venues
- Alinea · Grant Achatz's two-Michelin-star modernist tasting menu restaurant on North Halsted in Lincoln Park
- Asador Bastian · Basque-inspired steakhouse from chef Doug Psaltis in River North's restored 1883 Flair House
- avec · Wood-clad West Loop wine bar on Randolph Street serving Mediterranean small and large plates since 2003
- Bavette's Steakhouse · Dry-aged steaks in a speakeasy-style dining room on West Kinzie Street in River North
- Elske · One-Michelin-star modern American cooking with Danish touches on West Randolph Street
- Ever · Curtis Duffy's two-Michelin-star tasting menu restaurant on West Fulton Street
- Frontera Grill · Rick Bayless's Bib Gourmand River North regional Mexican institution since 1987
- Gino's East · Deep dish since 1966 at the graffiti-walled Gino's East flagship just off the Magnificent Mile
- Giordano's · Stuffed deep dish from a Chicago name founded in 1974, on Rush Street where the Gold Coast meets the Mag Mile
- Girl & the Goat · Stephanie Izard's Bib Gourmand kitchen of bold shared plates on West Randolph in the West Loop
- Joy District · A sports parlor, a second-floor dance club and a year-round rooftop at 112 W Hubbard St in River North.
- Kasama · The world's first Michelin-starred Filipino room, now two stars deep
Browse all Chicago venues · Build a custom itinerary · MyRSVP home