When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Giordano's
Why Giordano's is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Giordano's is a celebrated American pizzeria chain renowned for crafting authentic Chicago-style stuffed deep-dish pizzas. Established in 1974 by brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio in Chicago, Illinois, Giordano's has grown to more than 65 locations across several states including Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Nevada, and Wisconsin. The restaurant’s double-crust stuffed pizza is a unique culinary creation featuring generous layers of high-quality ingredients, which create a soufflé-like effect when baked. This pizza isn’t just about its depth, but the artful layering within a carefully constructed pie that has delighted locals and visitors alike for decades. Beyond pizza, Giordano's also offers a diverse menu with pasta, Italian specialties, sandwiches, appetizers, fresh salads, and gluten-free options, making it a versatile meeting place for friends and family. The inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and consistent quality make Giordano's a perfect venue for group gatherings, casual lunches, and celebrating special occasions. Giordano's also provides catering services and ships frozen pizzas nationwide, allowing pizza lovers to enjoy a taste of Chicago wherever they are.
Here's what people think of Giordano's
As of recent, Giordano's holds a 4.5-star rating based on 11505 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently highlight Giordano's excellence in delivering an authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza experience. Many patrons praise the pizza's fresh, rich tomato sauce and the distinct, stuffed double-crust which makes it stand apart as some of the best deep-dish pizza in the country. Reviewers appreciate the great service and inviting atmosphere, especially recommending the bar seating for a lively dining experience. The restaurant’s ability to immerse visitors in a quintessential Chicago food tradition has earned it high marks and repeat visits. On the positive side, many reviews commend Giordano’s for the outstanding flavor of its signature pizzas, friendly staff, and accommodating service despite busy hours and waits typical for popular pizzerias. However, some negative feedback points to inconsistent service experiences depending on location, with a few reports of lackluster customer interactions or delays that dampen the overall experience. Wait times during peak periods can be lengthy, and the crowded environment may not appeal to all. Nevertheless, the majority of feedback underscores Giordano's consistent quality and the special appeal of its stuffed deep-dish pizza, reinforcing its reputation as a Chicago icon and a worthy destination for pizza lovers. In conclusion, while minor service variances exist, Giordano’s holds a strong positive reputation largely driven by its exceptional food and authentic local character.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Maddie Pattie
Delicious food. Chicago classic deep dish pizza took a while to come out but made up for it with its delicious taste, best crust I’ve ever had. Caesar salad was so good, as was the Parmesan garlic fries. 10/10, would come back.
Donald Olson
We were visiting the Sears Tower (Yes, I said that right) and we had to try Chicago style deep dish so we ended up at Giordano’s on W. Jackson. For those of you looking for a quick meal this is not the place for you. They told us ahead of time the pizza takes 45 minutes to cook, which we were good with. We started off with the Caesar salad, which was large enough for a family of four and very delicious! We ordered the traditional deep dish pizza with sausage. It was amazing!! The 14” pizza was enough for the four of us. I’m not a huge fan of a lot of mozzarella cheese but it’s how it’s done in Chicago… 😂 the sauce and crust were amazing and definitely worth the experience!! Atmosphere was good, it was very busy but we sat right down. It’s popular so expect it to be busy. Our waitress was very sweet and attentive. Will definitely go back!!
Grant Broughton
Our visit to Giordano’s was incredible! The deep dish pizza was absolutely amazing—perfect crust, rich sauce, and plenty of cheese. It truly lived up to the Chicago reputation. We also ordered an appetizer, which was just as delicious and set the tone for a great meal. Our server, Adam, was excellent—attentive, friendly, and made sure everything went smoothly. His service really made the experience even better. Highly recommend Giordano’s if you’re in Chicago and craving some top-tier deep dish!
May Zhang
Although we have to wait for about 40 minutes for the deep dish pizza to be ready, it’s delicious! Better than what I ate in other city. I guess you have to come to Chicago for authentic deep dish pizza. The garlic fries are crispy and seasoned well. Our server is very friendly.
Audi Shake
We chose this place on a whim, but I am glad we got to try it. The deep dish pizza takes a bit of time to cook, but the pie was perfect. The ingredients were fresh and well balanced, and the cheese pull was crazy! The crust is a unique texture and flavor. We had pepperoni, mushroom and black olives. The two of us shared a 10" and brought a third of it back to the hotel for later. Next time we need to bring more people so we can try some appetizers too. Our waitress was super chill and friendly. She checked on us while we waited. The place was clean and the guy bussing tables was quick to clear away the mess on nearby tables. We showed up at 8:30 on a Friday night and were seated right away. There are lots of parking garages in the area, but we just walked from our nearby hotel.
How to reach Giordano's
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Why Giordano's may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Giordano’s with your friends? Simply put, Giordano’s is an iconic Chicago institution that invites groups to come together and savor one of the city’s most beloved culinary treasures—its legendary stuffed deep-dish pizza. This spot offers a uniquely social dining experience with its warm and family-style atmosphere, perfectly suited for gathering friends or family to share memorable moments. The joy of watching that famous cheese pull, biting into a rich, hearty deep-dish pie, and engaging in lively conversation creates a festive mood that makes every meetup feel special. Located conveniently near Millennium Park and Prudential Plaza, Giordano’s is accessible to locals and tourists alike, making it a natural rally point in Chicago’s vibrant dining scene. Beyond pizza, the menu includes Italian classics, appetizers, and a full bar to satisfy varying tastes within your group. Whether you want to dine in a buzzing, cozy environment or prefer takeout for a laid-back gathering elsewhere, Giordano’s caters to all these preferences with consistent quality and hospitality. That blend of excellent food, a welcoming vibe, and flexibility makes this an unbeatable choice to reconnect with friends or embrace family fun.
What activities are there to enjoy with friends at Giordano’s? While Giordano’s is primarily known for its outstanding Chicago-style deep-dish stuffed pizza, the experience encompasses much more. First, the restaurant’s social atmosphere itself encourages lively conversations and shared enjoyment around large, family-style pizzas that are perfect for groups. The anticipation and spectacle of the pizza arriving hot from the oven—complete with that iconic cheese stretch—spark excitement and are a topic of conversation in themselves. You can also enhance your meetup with appetizers like the popular Wisconsin Cheese Curds, which are lightly breaded and paired with signature dipping sauces. For those craving variety, the menu offers hearty Italian sandwiches, savory pastas, fresh salads, and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone in your group can find something appealing. Additionally, the full bar serves a range of thoughtfully crafted cocktails, including crowd-pleasers like Moscow Mules, which provide a refreshing complement to the rich pizza flavors. For groups who like to mix dining with a bit of casual drinking or celebration, this element enhances the overall gathering experience. The inviting ambiance allows for both loud and vibrant plus quieter, lounge-style seating, accommodating different group preferences.
Why is Giordano’s perfect for a group meetup? Giordano’s thoughtful combination of abundant shareable food, a warm and inviting setting, and its reputation for quality makes it exceptionally well-suited for groups. The large deep-dish pizzas are designed for sharing, generally recommended for two to three people per pie, but easily scalable for larger parties by ordering multiple pies with a variety of toppings to satisfy different tastes within a group. This communal style of eating facilitates an interactive and engaging dining experience, encouraging conversation and bonding over a beloved Chicago classic. The restaurant space itself is roomy and laid out to comfortably accommodate groups, with options ranging from casual dining areas to patio seating that can suit different atmospheres. Moreover, the location near popular downtown Chicago landmarks like Millennium Park makes it a natural meetup spot, easily accessible by public transportation or on foot if your group is exploring the city. Those who prefer a more relaxed home-style gathering can also take advantage of Giordano’s efficient delivery and carryout services to bring the celebration wherever they choose. The availability of gluten-free and diverse menu options means inclusivity is prioritized, so every member can enjoy the experience fully. All these factors combine to make Giordano’s a logical and enjoyable choice for all manner of group events—from casual hangouts to celebratory dinners.
How does the menu cater to diverse preferences for group dining? Giordano’s menu thoughtfully embraces variety to ensure a diverse group’s needs are met without sacrificing quality or authenticity. While deep-dish pizza is the star attraction, the menu expands into other Italian favorites such as savory pasta dishes, hearty sandwiches, and crispy appetizers. This range allows groups to mix and match according to their cravings—whether someone wants the classic Chicago stuffed pizza experience or prefers a lighter salad or sandwich. The appetizers, like Wisconsin cheese curds, provide shareable starters that help kick off the meal with casual snacking and socializing. The inclusion of gluten-free options is a significant highlight for groups with dietary restrictions, as it allows more people to comfortably share the experience. Drink selections from the full bar, including specialty cocktails and beer, add another layer of conviviality, enabling everyone from designated drivers to cocktail enthusiasts to find something enjoyable. This rich variety, coupled with consistently fresh ingredients and balanced flavors, ensures that every member of a group leaves satisfied. The personalized approach to taste and dietary needs is a big reason why large or mixed groups often prefer Giordano’s for their gatherings.
What makes the atmosphere at Giordano’s welcoming for reunions and celebrations? Giordano’s ambiance is carefully crafted to promote a warm, family-friendly, and relaxed environment that naturally supports social gatherings. The dining rooms are vibrant and lively, enhancing the sense of celebration and shared enjoyment. For groups seeking a quieter or more intimate setting, the lounge areas offer a more relaxed vibe, with softer background noise and comfortable seating options. The option to dine on the patio during pleasant weather adds an open-air feel that can make meetups feel both festive and refreshing. Furthermore, the staff’s attentive and friendly service contributes significantly to the welcoming atmosphere, as do the many small touches like the server encouraging diners to capture the iconic cheese pull moment — creating a lighthearted and memorable experience. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a family reunion, or just a casual night out with friends, Giordano’s makes the occasion feel special through its thoughtful blend of cozy environment and bustling energy. Its reputation as a Chicago staple also adds a layer of local pride and authenticity that enriches the overall vibe.
How accessible is Giordano’s for different types of gatherings? Giordano’s accessibility is a key reason for its popularity as a meetup destination. Situated strategically downtown near major Chicago attractions, it’s easy to reach by public transit, walking, or car, which simplifies gathering logistics for groups coming from different parts of the city or visitors exploring downtown. The restaurant’s size accommodates small to moderately large groups comfortably without feeling cramped. Moreover, its flexibility with dining options—comprising dine-in, takeout, and delivery—means groups can tailor their meetup to suit their style. Casual friends’ hangouts can happen over shared pizzas in the restaurant, while family gatherings might prefer the convenience of ordering in to enjoy Giordano’s flavors in a home setting. The promise of consistently high-quality, freshly prepared food and polite, professional service solidifies Giordano’s as a dependable choice regardless of group size or event type. The variety of menu items and the inclusive nature of dining choices further enhance its ability to serve a wide audience.
What do customers say about experiencing Giordano’s with a group? Customer voices consistently highlight the communal and memorable aspects of dining at Giordano’s, often noting the joy of sharing the iconic stuffed deep-dish pizzas among friends and family. Many appreciate the restaurant’s classic Chicago vibe and the authentic, rich flavors that define the menu’s deep-dish offerings. While some reviews note the wait times due to the time-intensive preparation of the deep-dish pizzas, groups report that the experience and taste make the wait worthwhile. The atmosphere, described as both lively and family-friendly, is frequently cited as conducive to engaging group conversations and celebrations. Some customers recommend sitting in the lounge area for a quieter experience or enjoying the lively tavern-like buzz of the main dining room for a more festive vibe. The attentive service and option to capture fun moments like the famous cheese pull add to the overall satisfaction. Even visitors from out of state often conclude that sharing a Giordano’s pizza with friends is a quintessential Chicago experience not to be missed.
How can hosting a meet-up at Giordano’s create lasting memories? Hosting a gathering at Giordano’s transcends a typical meal—it becomes an experience that combines taste, tradition, and togetherness. The shared act of enjoying a multi-layered Chicago-stuffed pizza encourages everyone to engage and bond, whether through helping to slice the pizza or delighting in that unforgettable first bite with cheese stretching impossibly long. The communal nature of the dining, paired with the restaurant’s warm service, elevates simple catch-ups into cherished occasions. Every meetup is enhanced by the variety of flavors and options that mean no one is left out, helping create moments of joy and connection. The atmosphere supports celebration and relaxation alike, making Giordano’s a backdrop for significant milestones or casual reunions. The positive emotions associated with sharing comfort food in a welcoming environment help imprint these gatherings into lasting memories for all involved.
In sum, Giordano’s strong rating, iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza, diverse menu, inviting atmosphere, and prime location all make it an outstanding destination to host meetups with friends or family. It offers not only great food but an experience rich in flavor and camaraderie that brings people closer together. Whether you are local or visiting Chicago, rallying your group at Giordano’s ensures you share a genuine taste of the city’s culinary heritage while creating fun, memorable moments.