Deep dish pizza: The complete Milwaukee area guide

Milwaukee may be a thin-crust, tavern-cut town at heart, but a surprisingly rich deep dish pizza scene has taken root across the six-county metro area.

From legendary Chicago chains that crossed the state line to a beloved Thiensville family restaurant that local food critics rank above all of them, there are more than 20 places serving some version of deep dish within an hour's drive of downtown Milwaukee. Whether you want a buttery Buttercrust™ from Lou Malnati's, a two-inch-tall stuffed pie from a family-run Italian joint in Burlington, or a lakeside deep dish at Gino's East overlooking Lake Geneva, this guide covers every option worth knowing about — county by county, with addresses, prices, hours, and the honest truth about what's authentic Chicago-style and what's a delicious local interpretation.

The local legend that beats Chicago

The single most important name in Milwaukee-area deep dish isn't a Chicago import. It's Chuck's Place Family Restaurant in Thiensville, a no-frills family restaurant that OnMilwaukee food editor Lori Fredrich — the region's most authoritative pizza voice — ranked #1 overall in her comprehensive deep dish series, ahead of every chain.

Chuck's Place, 406 N. Main St., Thiensville, WI 53092 (Ozaukee County) · (262) 242-9797 · chucksplacefamilyrestaurant.com

The story begins in 1971, when Charles "Chuck" Freedman opened Freedmanelli's Numero Uno in Shorewood — the first Chicago-style deep dish in Milwaukee. After a cancer battle, he reopened as Chuck's Place in 1988. When Freedman passed, his 20-year employee Ted Hagen bought the restaurant and preserved every recipe. The crust uses ingredients nearly identical to Lou Malnati's, producing a crisp, biscuit-like, golden shell that's dense around the edges and softer toward the center. The large deep dish comes loaded with over a pound of fresh Italian sausage.

Pricing is remarkably affordable: a cheese deep dish runs $9.50 (small) to $20.00 (large), while the towering stuffed pizza tops out at $26.00 for a large with sausage. This is a full-service family restaurant with a seven-page menu spanning breakfast through dinner, Friday fish fry, BBQ ribs, and rotisserie chicken. Dine-in and carryout available. TripAdvisor reviewers call it "really, really out of this world" and "a close match to authentic Chicago pizza." Voted "Best in Milwaukee" year after year.

The Chicago chains

The Milwaukee market has seen significant Chicago-chain activity since 2018, though the landscape has shifted. Here's what's actually open today.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria remains the dominant chain presence with two operating locations. The Brookfield restaurant (15795 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, WI 53005, Waukesha County · (414) 930-4500) is the flagship — a full-service dine-in restaurant with a full bar, 180+ seats, private event space for up to 45 guests, and seasonal outdoor patio seating at Brookfield Square Shopping Center. Hours run Monday–Thursday 11 AM–11 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–midnight, and Sunday 11 AM–10 PM. The Fox Point location (8799 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point, WI 53217, Milwaukee County · (414) 446-3500) is carryout and delivery only, open Monday–Thursday 4–10 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–11 PM, and Sunday 11 AM–9 PM, with curbside pickup and no-contact delivery serving Fox Point, Whitefish Bay, and Shorewood.

Lou Malnati's signature is the Buttercrust™ — a flaky, buttery crust paired with vine-ripened California tomatoes, Wisconsin mozzarella from the same dairy farm for nearly 50 years, and an exclusive sausage blend. The Malnati Chicago Classic (sausage, extra cheese, vine-ripened tomato sauce) is the must-order. Other standouts include The Lou (spinach, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes, three cheeses on garlic Buttercrust), the Buffalou Chicken, and the Mike's Hot Honey Deep Dish. Individual deep dish starts around $14–15, with medium and large pies running $20+. A gluten-free deep dish Chicago Classic is available for about $27.79. Brookfield averages 4+ stars on Yelp with 181 reviews, and OpenTable reviewers praise the "great deep dish pizza" with "tasty buttery crust."

Important context: Lou Malnati's closed three of its five Wisconsin locations in early 2025 — Greenfield, Oak Creek, and Waukesha all shuttered permanently. The company stated it "plans to re-invest in other parts of the Milwaukee area within the next year," so new locations may emerge.

Gino's East operates a full outpost at 300 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (Walworth County), open since 2007. This is authentic Chicago deep dish with the signature golden cornmeal crust baked in original stone hearth deck ovens. The dining room seats 160+ guests with panoramic lake views and outdoor lakeside patio seating. Hours are Monday–Saturday 11 AM–9 PM, Sunday noon–9 PM. Dine-in, takeout, and local delivery are available, plus a private Harbor Club Room for events (up to 60 guests). The menu extends beyond pizza to Italian entrees, Buona™ Italian Beef sandwiches, strombolis, and a notable Cannoli Martini dessert. Specialty deep dish options include BBQ Brisket, Jalapeño Blue (bacon, Italian sausage, blue cheese, jalapeños), and Spinach Margherita. Reviews praise the rich, cheesy deep dish, though some note the facility could use freshening up. Lake Geneva sits about 50 miles southwest of downtown Milwaukee, making this more of a destination meal.

Giordano's no longer has a location within the six-county region — their Milwaukee restaurant at 275 W. Wisconsin Ave. closed back in 2002. The nearest location is in Kenosha (7120 Green Bay Rd., Kenosha, WI 53142 · (262) 287-9340), just outside the target area but worth the drive for their legendary stuffed pizza. Hours are 11:30 AM–9 PM daily, with a personal lunch special at $10.99 (daily until 3 PM). Similarly, Pizano's (run by Rudy Malnati Jr., Lou's brother) briefly operated a 260-seat downtown Milwaukee restaurant from 2018 to 2020 before closing permanently during COVID. Uno Pizzeria & Grill in Menomonee Falls — the chain descended from the 1943 birthplace of Chicago deep dish — also closed permanently around 2025.

Rosati's quietly delivers some of the best

Rosati's Pizza deserves special attention as the most geographically accessible authentic Chicago deep dish option, with four locations across the metro area. Founded by the Rosati family in Chicago's suburbs in 1964, with Italian restaurant roots stretching back to the 1920s, Rosati's serves a buttery, biscuit-textured crust filled with mounds of mozzarella and topped with chunky, acidic fresh tomato sauce.

The Bay View location (145 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207 · (414) 489-7191) is primarily carryout and delivery with limited counter seating. OnMilwaukee called it "a solid example of a Chicago-style deep dish pizza" with a "crisp, buttery crust" and "nicely flavored toppings." One transplant reviewer wrote: "I'm from outside Chicago originally and having Rosati's out here in Milwaukee and having that same amazing taste is incredible." Open daily 11 AM–10 PM (Friday–Saturday until 11 PM). Additional locations operate in Pewaukee (690 Westfield Way, Pewaukee, WI 53072 · (262) 695-4080), Oconomowoc (1320 Pabst Farms Circle, Suite 110, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 · (262) 200-0066), and Lake Geneva (240 N. Edwards Blvd., Lake Geneva, WI 53147 · (262) 248-4000). The Lake Geneva location is open Sunday–Thursday 10 AM–10 PM, Friday–Saturday 10 AM–11 PM, and also offers a stuffed pizza option (allow 45 minutes). Specialty combos include Supreme, Meat Lovers, Margherita, and Bianca. Deep dish is available in 10" and 14" sizes. Available on DoorDash, Slice, and other delivery platforms.

Milwaukee's homegrown deep dish and pan-style favorites

Beyond the Chicago chains, a constellation of local pizzerias offer their own interpretations. Fredrich's OnMilwaukee series draws an important distinction: true Chicago-style deep dish features a thin-to-medium biscuit-like buttery crust baked in an oiled pan with toppings in reverse order (cheese on bottom, sauce on top), while many Milwaukee restaurants labeled "deep dish" actually serve pan-style pizza — still delicious, but a different animal. Here are the best local options, organized honestly by style.

Pizzeria Scotty (9022 W. Oklahoma Ave., West Allis, WI 53227 · (414) 543-1300 · pizzeriascotty.com) is the top-rated deep dish on Yelp's Milwaukee list, operating since 1985 with roots in a Chicago pizza licensing agreement. Their tagline is "The pizza that made Chicago famous!" and they offer Chicago pan, stuffed, double dough, and thin crust styles. The stuffed pizza has been described as "like eating a giant mozzarella stick." Be warned: wait times commonly run an hour or more, and it's carryout and delivery only with just two small tables. Open Monday–Thursday 11 AM–10 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–11 PM, Sunday 11 AM–10 PM. Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor (2022), with a 4.6 rating on DoorDash across 500+ reviews. Specialty options include Scotty Extreme, Buffalo Chicken Deluxe, and Ultimate 5 Cheese.

Tenuta's Italian Restaurant (2995 S. Clement Ave., Bay View, Milwaukee, WI 53207 · (414) 431-1014 · tenutasitalian.com) is an award-winning corner trattoria voted "Best Italian Restaurant since 2015." Deep dish is one of four crust options (thin, virgin, deep dish, stuffed) in 12" and 16" sizes, with cheese pizzas ranging from $9 to $15 depending on style. The full Italian menu features primi at $16–24 and secondi at $21–32, with an extensive wine list. Open Tuesday–Sunday 4–10 PM, closed Monday. Dine-in with reservations recommended. 4.5+ stars on Yelp with 447 reviews.

Pizza Man (2597 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211 · (414) 272-1745 · pizzamanwi.com) is a Milwaukee institution since 1970, recently rebooted under new co-ownership with Transfer Pizzeria credentials. Deep dish is offered in 12-inch pies at $19–$23, alongside an upscale Italian menu with entrées reaching $50. Full bar, wine cellar, and OpenTable reservations available. Open Tuesday–Thursday 4–9 PM, Friday 3–10 PM, Saturday 11 AM–10 PM, Sunday 11 AM–9 PM, closed Monday. Additional locations in Wauwatosa (11500 W. Burleigh St.) and Oak Creek (7974 S. Main St.). Note that the Wauwatosa location reportedly offers a limited number of pan pizzas daily and deep dish only on Mondays.

Pizza Pete's (2914 E. Grange Ave., Cudahy, WI 53110 · (414) 488-8007 · pizzapetesmke.com) is a neighborhood spot with a Grateful Dead/tie-dye vibe honoring the memory of Pete Einwiller. Their Chicago Style option requires 45 minutes of prep time. Primarily carryout and delivery with about 12 seats. Open daily 11 AM–10 PM. One reviewer on One Bite called it "hands down the best Chicago style I've had outside Chicago," though OnMilwaukee noted it's not classic Chicago-style by strict definition. A $35 carry-out deal is available. Rated 4.9 on Google Maps.

Klasiana Pizza (5487 S. 76th St., Greendale, WI 53129 · (414) 421-0000 · klasianapizza.com) offers a unique spin on stuffed deep dish with a thicker, bread-like crust, plenty of cheese, and two layers of well-seasoned sauce. Open Wednesday–Thursday 4–9 PM, Friday–Saturday 3–9:30 PM, Sunday 3–8:45 PM, closed Monday–Tuesday. Dine-in (small space), takeout, and delivery. Falbo Bros Pizzeria in Shorewood and Hartland blends "inspirations from New York thin crust, Chicago deep dish, and stuffed pizza" into a hybrid style with all three options available for carryout and delivery. Capri di Nuovo (8340 W. Beloit Rd., West Allis, WI 53219 · (414) 543-5510) rounds out the West Allis options with a stuffed deep dish featuring a crisp, Milwaukee-style crust.

Hidden gems in Racine, Ozaukee, and Washington counties

The outer ring of the metro area holds some genuinely surprising deep dish finds — particularly in communities with strong Italian heritage.

Napoli Restaurant & Pizzeria (132 N. Pine St., Burlington, WI 53105, Racine County · (262) 763-8390) may be the region's best-kept secret. Run by the Pedone family with traditional Sicilian cooking, their menu explicitly lists "Pan or Stuffed Chicago Style Crust" as an option. A 10" Chicago Style starts at $15, 12" at $18, and 14" at $21 — with regular toppings at $1.25–$4.25 and premium toppings (Canadian bacon, artichoke, Italian beef, grilled chicken) at $1.50–$4.50. One TripAdvisor reviewer titled their review "Best Chicago-Style Pizza This Side of Chicago," writing: "I ordered a simple Chicago Style cheese & sausage pizza. It was amazing! Every bit as good as Gino's, which is my gold standard." Featured on Travel Wisconsin. Open Monday 4–9 PM, Wednesday–Friday 11 AM–2 PM and 4–9 PM, Saturday 4–9 PM, Sunday 3–8 PM, closed Tuesday.

Infusino's Pizzeria & Restaurant (3225 Rapids Drive, Racine, WI 53404 · (262) 633-3173) has been Racine's premier pizza institution since 1971. Their signature is Infusino's Famous Pan Pizza — a thick, homemade crust with generous cheese and Italian family-recipe sauce. They offer four crust options: Thin, Deep Pan, Virgin (between thick and thin), and Old World. They've expanded to four locations across Racine and Kenosha counties and even operate a frozen pizza distribution business, growing ingredients on their own land. The dining room accommodates 2 to 65 guests (reservations recommended), with pickup and delivery running 11 AM–9 PM daily and the dining room opening at 3 PM. Health Score of 97/100.

In Ozaukee County, Mequon Pizza Company (12020 N. River Road, Mequon, WI 53092) is a second-generation family pizzeria since 2012 offering deep dish that leans more "thick and crunchy crust" than strict Chicago-style. Their giant 18" "Terminator" deep dish is a crowd favorite. Won "Best of Dining 2012" in Wisconsin. Tuesday special: $5 large cheese pizza (dine-in). Expect Friday-evening waits. Also check out Tomaso's in Cedarburg and Mequon, voted Ozaukee's #1 Pizza, with both thin and deep dish options — though it's carryout-focused (no delivery, call ahead for groups).

In Washington County, Maricio's in Barton in West Bend is the standout. A detailed reviewer noted a personal 6" deep dish starts around $8 with two toppings, with 12" and 14" specialty deep dish running about $22+. Reviewers praise the Alfredo deep dish option and the "soft but firm crunch" of the crust. It's a cozy, family-friendly spot with lots of regulars. Michaleno's Pizzeria in the Kewaskum/West Bend area, a family-run operation since 2008, also serves deep dish that reviewers call "outstanding."

Practical tips for deep dish family outings

A few patterns emerge from this research that families should know. First, true Chicago-style deep dish takes time — expect 30 to 60 minutes from order to table at most restaurants. At Pizzeria Scotty, plan for no less than an hour. Pizza Pete's and Rosati's stuffed pies require 45 minutes. Call ahead or order online before arriving if you have hungry kids.

For the best full-service, sit-down family experiences, prioritize these spots:

• Chuck's Place in Thiensville — massive menu with something for everyone, relaxed family restaurant atmosphere, affordable pricing

• Lou Malnati's Brookfield — purpose-built restaurant with private event space, full bar, patio, and professional service

• Gino's East in Lake Geneva — lakeside views, 160+ seats, perfect for a weekend excursion

• Napoli in Burlington — warm Pedone family hospitality with authentic Chicago-style at great prices

• Infusino's in Racine — multi-generational Italian institution with flexible seating

For takeout and delivery nights, Rosati's four locations provide the widest geographic coverage, Pizzeria Scotty delivers the most buzz-worthy pan-style pie (order early), and Lou Malnati's Fox Point serves the north shore efficiently. All three Rosati's suburban locations and Lou Malnati's Fox Point are available on major delivery platforms.

Every major Chicago chain also ships frozen deep dish nationwide: Lou Malnati's via Tastes of Chicago, Amazon, and Goldbelly; Giordano's via ship.giordanos.com; and Gino's East via their website and Amazon. If you can't make the drive, the deep dish can come to you.

Conclusion

The greater Milwaukee deep dish landscape tells an unexpected story. Chuck's Place in Thiensville — not a Chicago transplant — consistently earns the top ranking from local critics, carrying a recipe lineage that predates Lou Malnati's arrival in Wisconsin by nearly five decades. The market has contracted somewhat since its 2019 peak, with Pizano's, Uno, and three Lou Malnati's locations all closing, suggesting Milwaukee's tavern-cut thin crust culture puts a ceiling on deep dish demand. But what remains is genuinely excellent: two Lou Malnati's locations anchoring the north side and western suburbs, Rosati's covering four communities, Gino's East offering a destination-worthy Lake Geneva experience, and a half-dozen local pizzerias putting their own spin on thick, cheesy, sauce-topped pies. The outer counties hold real surprises — Napoli in Burlington and Infusino's in Racine rival anything closer to the city. For families willing to explore the full six-county region, this is one of the most rewarding pizza treasure hunts in the upper Midwest.