When it comes to food cities with cult classics, Chicago doesn’t just stand tall—it stacks it thick, deep, and dripping with flavor. And if you’re talking true deep-dish royalty, the name that rises to the top of the pie is Pizzeria Due.
This isn’t your basic tourist trap or Instagram gimmick. Pizzeria Due is the real deal, the you-have-to-go-there-if-you-love-pizza spot. It’s the sister to the legendary Pizzeria Uno—yes, that Uno—and it’s been holding down its corner of River North since 1955, turning skeptics into believers and carving out a permanent space in deep-dish history.
So whether you’re rolling through Chicago for a cannabis conference, a weekend getaway, or you’re a local who hasn’t paid your culinary dues yet, we’re here to break down why Pizzeria Due should be on your radar—and your plate.
A Slice of History That Hits Different
You can’t tell the story of deep-dish pizza without mentioning Pizzeria Due. This is the second location launched by Ike Sewell, the guy who arguably started it all back in 1943 with Pizzeria Uno just across the street.
While Uno took off like a legend, Due was the expansion that turned a single-store experiment into a growing empire. But unlike a lot of restaurants that expand and dilute the flavor, Due kept it consistent—thick crusts, massive portions, and that telltale tangy tomato sauce layered on top of cheese and sausage like a glorious middle finger to New York slices.
And they didn’t just expand physically—they expanded culturally. In a city built on steel, sweat, and deep flavors, Pizzeria Due became a go-to for families, foodies, and late-night legends looking for something real.
Location, Vibe, and Vintage Chicago Charm
You’ll find Pizzeria Due at 619 N Wabash Ave, nestled in a restored Victorian brownstone that makes you feel like you’re stepping back into a time when Chicagoans were just discovering how magical pizza could be in a 2-inch-deep pan.
The vibe inside? Think old-school elegance meets hometown hospitality. Exposed brick walls, cozy booths, warm lighting—it’s not trying too hard. It doesn’t have to. The focus here is simple: Let the food speak for itself.
And when that piping-hot deep-dish lands at your table, crust just golden enough to crunch, cheese bubbling up beneath layers of thick, zesty sauce—you’ll be too busy inhaling the aroma to scroll your feed.
The Deep-Dish That Built a Legacy
Let’s be blunt. Pizzeria Due doesn’t play when it comes to their deep-dish game.
These pies are massive, built like tanks, and they take about 45 minutes to prepare. But don’t let that throw you off—this is a culinary slow burn worth every second.
Favorites You Can’t Miss:
- Numero Uno – A meaty masterpiece with sausage, pepperoni, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and chunky tomato sauce. It’s the kitchen sink of deep-dish, and it’s damn near perfect.
- Classic Cheese or Sausage – Simple, bold, and absolutely loaded. Sometimes less is more—especially when “less” means a pound of mozzarella.
- Veggie Deep Dish – For the green gods and goddesses, this one’s stacked with spinach, mushrooms, onions, and a heap of flavor.
And they’re not just stuck in the deep-dish lane. Thin crust options, salads, wings, pasta, and even burgers round out the menu for anyone not trying to get carb-bombed into a nap.
The Good, the Honest, and the Occasionally Hangry
Let’s keep it 100—Pizzeria Due is wildly popular, and that sometimes means long waits and less-than-warm greetings from a front desk that’s doing its best to handle the heat.
Some Tripadvisor reviews have clapped back at the hostess experience or wait times. Fair. But if you go in prepared—especially during peak dinner hours—you can navigate that with no problem. Pro tip: reserve ahead or roll in during late lunch or off-peak dinner slots.
And once you’re seated, most servers are attentive, chill, and happy to guide you through the menu or keep the drinks flowing while your pie is baking.
Why Beard Bros Is Shouting Out Pizzeria Due
We don’t throw spotlights around lightly. We highlight places with roots, soul, and flavor—places that stand the test of time in a world full of trends.
Pizzeria Due checks all the boxes:
- Legacy? Built into the bricks.
- Quality? Still slaps after 70+ years.
- Experience? As Chicago as it gets.
If you’ve got the munchies or just respect good food, this place delivers. And if you’ve never had legit deep dish from the OG family? You’re overdue—pun intended.
There are deep-dish imitators, there are food influencers hyping up whatever’s trendy this week, and then there’s Pizzeria Due. They’re not chasing clout. They’re not putting gold flakes on mozzarella. They’re doing what they’ve always done: serving one of the best damn pizzas you’ll ever eat.
So next time you find yourself in the Windy City—whether you’re there for biz, bud, or a bite—make the trek to Pizzeria Due. Order a pie, bring your appetite, and prepare to fall face-first into the molten cheese dream that built a Chicago institution.
📍 Visit Them:
Pizzeria Due
619 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
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We’re all about real food, real cannabis culture, and real stories. And we’ll always rep the ones who keep it.
