Rockford - Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Passing Chicago on our road trip, we wanted to review Lou Malnati’s pizza. This is the best chain of deep dish west of Michigan. Last time we ate Malnati’s, I didn’t write a review. So we eventually found one in Rockford, Illinois.

This location is carry-out only. We placed an order for two small pizzas. One was cheese because we wanted to compare it to Buddy’s and Cloverleaf’s, and the other was their signature sausage (the one they’re famous for). They told us to come back in 30 minutes. While waiting, I picked up a small tub of Malnati’s very own shaved ice in the lemon flavour. Both my mom and I thought it was too salty. My dad liked it but agreed. The nutrition label said the tub had 10 mg.

Onto the pizza. I’ll be blunt. Detroit beats Chicago. The cheese pizza from Malnati’s was a let down. But the sausage does compete with Buddy’s and Cloverleaf. I loved that the sausage wasn’t spicy and that it added a lot of flavour. From me, the cheese pizza gets a 7.8, but the sausage, a 9.0/10.

The bill was $41.02 USD.

This result surprised me. Keep in mind that Chicago is light years ahead of Ontario. I would take Malnati’s cheese over any pizza from southern Ontario.

So, when we were in Chicago we asked for suggestions on Deep Dish Pizza, and everyone stated Lou Malnati’s was the best. Didn’t have time and wasn’t hungry whilst in Chicago. And we’re were traveling in Motorhome and had to find appropriate parking accommodations. This one is kind of tucked away, but don’t let this deter you. Wow, our first attempt at Chicago Deep Dish was off the charts. Don’t hesitate in ordering the big one, because it heats up just as good as when it’s fresh.

I ordered on the website to avoid door dash, as I have had horrible experiences with them. However, I was routed to door dash for delivery\ due to staffing. As assumed, door dash crammed 3 orders to one driver and brought me a soggy, cold & beat up pizza box. I called the store & the young lady I spoke with was extremely kind & accommodating. She not only made us a fresh pizza to replace the one delivered, she also graciously provided a coupon for our next visit. Oh, and we WILL be back! Thank you Lou Malnati's! <3

I got a small personalized deep dish pizza since I wasn’t too hungry. The pizza was the perfect size!

First time having Chicago deep dish pizza and it did not disappoint. The deep dish malnati Chicago classic was super cheesy and the sausage/tomato chunks pair so well with the pizza. Will have to get again! 🍕

We ordered 2 Pizzas and a salad to go. The salad was excellent, had alot of stuff in it, plus the dressing was awesome, good flavor and tasty. The pizza was way better than I expected, and it was better than Giordanos!!! Alot better as a matter a fact, plus we got a free pizza for downloading the app and ordering. This will be our new go to for Pizza!

I meant to take a picture of the hot honey limited time deep dish special but it smelled and looked so good, I didn't wait. I highly recommend it. Order ahead, service was great.

I had to wait a little extra for my food,but it was worth the wait ! The staff there is super friendly and considerate (:

Its bloody lu's.. hiw can you say anything bad? They are AMAZING and the BEST pizza alive, I could love off this pizza... like, forever, this would be my last meal and more haha. TRY OT DO IT NOW! ^^

Thin crust pizza is always fantastic! What makes this place great are the employees. The young man at the counter is so nice. Always makes sure the other is correct and so pleasant. Give that man a pay raise! I don't know his name , but so nice!!!
Update: We get a pizza every Friday. Always hot buttery crust and perfect! It's nice seeing many of the same employees. Our young man that is the manager is always friendly.

Great gluten free pizza with a friendly staff.

The aroma of the pizza is very pleasing from my Xfinity store.

Best pizza, but prices are kinda high

I lived near a Lou's in Buffalo Grove. So sad not having my favorite
pizza around when we moved to Davis Junction. Very excited when they opened one in Rockford. They didn't let us down. Still the best deep dish, butter crust pizza around.

First time trying...This pizza is delish!! Probably the best deed dish I’ve ever had! Their crust is amazing! Even three days later and reheated in the air fryer and it taste just as good as the night ordered it!! I highly recommend this place!! I will def be ordering from here more often!

The deep dish pizza is so good, my favorite is the spinach mix with sausage. Curbside is sometimes difficult as it is a busy place and only two spots, I think. But it is easy to go inside to get it instead. I am sad there isn't a location on the north side of Rockford / Machesney Park (hint hint).

Hands down my favorite pizza. We would frequently pick up Lou's when we were near one of their other locations. So geeked they are in Rockford. There are two kinds to choose from, Deep Dish and Thin Crust. The Deep dish is FILLING and if you really want the full experience, ask for "Butter Crust". Its your Chicago "upside down" pizza format - sauce on top (which are closer to stewed tomatoes). The sausage is a patty that covers the whole pie, but you can opt for "crumbled sausage" if that's your thing.

The thin crust is so unbelievably crispy! If you love the crust (which is a big reason that separates Lou's from the rest), the thin will have you from the first bite.

The pizzas can take some time to cook, especially the deep dish which is around 35 minutes, but when they are busy it's good to call ahead of time. The last three times we've ordered here, it's been between an hour and fifteen minutes, to 2 hours to wait for our pie to be picked up. So call ahead even for pick up! This not an eat in restaurant, so delivery is the only other option apart from carry out and I saw some negative reviews based solely on wait time. You can also pick up a pizza frozen at the store and bake it yourself. Not quite as good as the store made one IMO, but a good option.

Last tip - download the app. They have a rewards program and the first reward we got was $20 off on an order Mon-Thurs. I'm not sure how other rewards will be provided, but it's a convenient way to order this pizza of the Gods.

Best Chicago deep dish pizza, everything made in-house, you can get a layer of Italian sausage on your pizza under the sauce, or crumbles and their gluten free pizza is the best one I've found, all made fresh in-house, even the gluten free crust. They brush their crusts with garlic and butter and you'll find yourself eating every single bite. Only wish I had taken photos to share with you.

I loved it, It is fabulous! Of course the pizza is much better if you get it fully cooked before leaving. Because I live an hour from there. I got it Half Baked and it wasn't as good of course as the completely cooked one. I highly recommend the pizza entitled The Lou.

Best deep dish anywhere. If you don't like deep dish, you will love this one. Also, get the Cesar salad, best dressing ever. I loved just spooning the rich yummy dressing. It will be your go to pizza place. Orders to go only. Gluten free options :)