Chicago-style Pizza in Dallas?

103 thoughts on “Chicago-style Pizza in Dallas?”

1. I was born in Chicage. The first time I had Pizza in Little Joe’s on 63rd St. in Chicago was in 1959. I was a steady customer for many years. It was the best Pizza in the Chicago area. We moved to Texas in 1996 and couild not find a place to enjoy Chicago stye Pizza. Now, a month ago, low and behold, we are told that Little Joe’s opened a place in Keller, Texas. Upon entering the parlor I knew we arrived and have been going back once a week ever since with a few friends. Little Joe’s has an aroma from the pizza’s that is outstanding. The pizza, extra large size, arrived at our table and I was finally able to taste a Chicag style Pizza again. We, naturally, ordered the largest size so we can feast again the following day. So, anyone in Texas that has a hankering for what a Pizza really is, go on down to Keller,Texas, for the treat of your culinary life. In addition to the Pizza’s they also serve many pasta meals, that you will not be able to finish the first time around.

2. After spending the first 38 years of my life living in the suburbs of Chicago, I moved to Ft. Worth almost 2 years ago. I have tried many pizza’s, but have found that Little Joe’s in Keller is, by far, the best Chicago Style pizza anywhere in North Texas. Don’t expect Gino’s East or Lou Malnati’s, but you won’t have to look any further than Little Joe’s for a very satisfying deep dish pizza.

3. Glad to hear more of you love Little Joe’s Famous Chicago Pizza in Keller. Last week, we met the owner Stephanie, who was in town checking on the restaurant. She is a bundle of energy. We got the scoop on what the best dishes are, so we are going next for the homemade lasagne and the ravioli. Can’t wait. Oh and of course we’ll have a Chicago Style Thin Crust Pizza on the side.

   Here’s the address in case anyone out there needs it.
   Little Joe’s Famous Chicago Pizza and Ristorante
   104 Navajo Drive, Keller, 76248
   (SW corner of Navajo & Keller Pkwy, just west of Rufe Snow) (FM1709)
   817-753-6300

4. WOW! Matt recommended Chicago’s Finest Pizza, which is located in Plano at Independence and Springcreek pky….Awesome!! My favorite was Uno’s, but now that they are no longer in Dallas….I know where to go!

5. Hello Fello Chicagoans! I moved here to Keller about a year ago from Division and Damen in Chicago – culture shock yes, I’m still going through it. However, I have to agree with all of you in that Little Joe’s is great Chicago style pizza. Also, I would love to know if you guys have found any good places to hang out in the Fort Worth area? My husband and I are always up for meeting other Chicagoan in Texas! I can be reached at amygarnold@gmail.com Happy Memorial day everyone.

6. Drat, too late to set up a Memorial day get together :( But as has been said, lets DO have a Chicago get together someday soon?

   Anybody on here went to Bloom HS, or Rich East?

   Went to Joe’s the day after my post. It was very good, better than what I have had for a very long time, but was not totally like home. I have had better beef (Portillos had just opened up in SoCal the year before, and Mustard’s in Long Beach was even better), but I bought 4 of them, and took 2 back to work for friends – they all LOVED them (of course, never had the REAL thing to compare ha ha).

   I had a large thin crust – and WOW! You could hold it straight out without drooping!!!! Have not seen that for a long timne. The crust and sauce were very good, though a bit salty. And the cheese was so chewy, the way I love it, and flavorful, not too overwhelming like at other places.

   Also tried their mostaccioli with ricotta cheese and meat sauce – hmmmmmm.

   I will be back for sure! But will also try to get to the others as well.

   Thanks all for the suggestions!

   PS: Just so happens, Joe’s still has 2 places back home – both my where my brother still lives.

7. Found this site by accident and what a great find it is. I was born and raised in Chicago…first on the south side, then Downers Grove, and then when I was old enough to get out on my own, I lived at 1120 N. LaSalle, then on Kenmore St. in Lincoln Park, and lastly Presidential Towers…ahhh, the city life of Chicago. I sure miss it. I’ve lived in Rowlett now for the past 12 years. I would love to do a Chitown get-together. My husband just doesn’t understand the connection us Chicagoans share.

   Now on to food, I can’t wait to try all the wonderful suggestions on this site. I’d also like to add: “What about Mr. Beef’s” on Orleans in Chicago…BEST BEEF sandwiches…and I’m not just saying that because the owners, Dominic & Joey Zucchero, are my cousins!!:)

   Now where the heck is Keller, TX??? I’ve got to try this Lil Joe’s. It sounds fantastic. I’m dying for a beef sandwich “dipped” with hot giardinara!!!! Okay, I’m getting hungry now…

8. BJ’s Chicago Pizza in Dallas should close its doors forever!! Not only was it one of the worst pizzas I’ve ever had, it most certainly nothing near Chicago style pizza. I really don’t know how they can get away with calling themselves that. Maybe most of their visitor just don’t know. They are giving Chicago style pizza a bad name!

9. Keller is surrounded by Roanoke, Southlake and an outskirted area of Ft. Worth. You’re about 1 1/2 hours away, but it would be worth the trip if you’re really missing that home style pizza. Get it extra crispy. Come over for a day trip or something. You’ll surely find one of your Chicago peeps there;)Be sure to go to Little Joe’s Famous Chicago Style Pizza on Navajo, not a restaurant down the road by a similar name.

10. If anybody is in mckinney we just got a great Chicago Style pizza place. It is off of 380 across from Raytheon. Best pizza and beef sandwiches around. The owner is Ozzy from Chicago. Worked in some of the pizza restraunts around. Give it try. You wont be sorry.

    Chicago St Pizza
    972-548-7050

11. B.J.’s has got to be THE worst pizza I have ever tasted. I love pizza! And for me i’ll take deep dish or thin, but B.J’s is trash!!!!! I had a horrible experience with Chicago Rick’s which I won’t mention, but I will never set foot in that place ever again! I like to go to Pappa’s Pizza in Addison on Beltline, I would’nt call it true Chicago style but it’s pretty damn good. Oh, and Goodfellas on Frankford and Old Denton is good too, but you must get the New York style, the Other one too hot!

12. Correction to my original note! Try Goodfellas New york style because the other one is NOT that good

13. I just found this website and was delighted to see all of the people who miss Chicago like I do!
    I taught in Naperville and my husband is from Roselle. We moved here in 1984.

    Here are the latest updates on Chicago food:

    Windy City Grill in Keller has closed. :(

    The Tomato Pizza in Denton has been flattened by a developer. :( Their website still works:
    http://thetomatopizza.net

    A new Rosati’s has been open for four months in McKinney. http://www.rosatispizza.com

    Chicago’s Finest Pizza in Plano USED to be a Rosati’s.

    South of I-20 in Fort Worth is Sweet Home Chicago, 6208 McCart Ave. http://www.sweethomechicagorestaurant.com

    I maintain a “Ties to Home – Chicago” list. If you’d like a copy, respond to this or send me an email at paulette@themoralefairy.com

14. My family loves Chicago Ricks’ pizzas. I also had my first real Vienna Beef hot dog there – Chicago-style. Yumm!
    Chicago Rick’s Pizza – 3628 Frankford Rd, Dallas, 75287 – (972) 820-9689

15. Another Chicago transplant here. My wife and I were life long resindents (Me in Maywood, Oak Park, my wife in Niles and Schaumburg, we moved to Bartlett) prior to moving here in December of 2005. We, like many other Chicagoans, took pizza for granted, and never realized how good we had it there. We STILL marvel at how Texans can completely screw up pizza. We were recommended I Fratelli so tried it. MOTHER OF GOD how can it possibly that bad? We still cannot figure out what they put on top of it, but I can assure you it bears no resemblence to what we call “sausage” in Chicago. We had a Rosati’s in Hanover Park close enough that delivery came to us piping hot. Rosati’s is not the best, but they make a solid thin crust.

    Thanks to all who posted…we’ll give a try to Little Joe’s as that sounds pretty good. Go Bears.

16. Hey Crip, I am also a fellow Oak Park’er. Born and raised. Humphrey & Harrison and Ridgeland & Fillmore. We used to go to Al’s in cicero on 22nd. St. In Texas you better say Italian Sausage or you may get breakfast sausage.

17. I am from Park Forest and a graduate of Rich East. That Chicago Place when in Bedford had the best Stuffed Pizza Ever! Unfortunately with the constant moving we have been unable to catch up with it and have it again.

    Will have to try Little Joe’s in keller.

    Anyone ever try the original Aurellios Pizza in Homewood?

18. I’m a transplant from Fullerton and Narragansett. And today, I received the greatest news in my life (well, since I moved to Texas in ’04). Finally, a place to get anything close to a deep dish and a real italian beef. From what I’ve read, no Gino’s and no Uno’s around here. But I’m definitely going to drive around and try all these places.

    I’ve been away from Chicago for a few years now, so my question is… is ketchup still a No No on Chicago dogs?

    Anyway, anyone frequent Perry’s up in Park Ridge? Or the Weiner’s Circle downtown? I miss Chicago a lot and seeing the Cubs play the Rangers was a treat. Go CUBBIES!!!

19. I’ve made up my mind!! We’re going to Little Joe’s in Keller tonight for some extra crispy thin crust, a med. deep dish (for leftovers tomorrow) and gotta try a beef. Do they have the always fanous combo’s (It. beef and It. sausage together on Gonella Bread!!!) And don’t forget the giardiniera peppers!! To die for!! If you’re reading this tonight, come join us. We’ll be the ones with smiles on our face. Now if I can only find some Old Style beer to take with me
    SWEET HOME CHICAGO!!! (But I got to Texas as quick as I could and Lovin’ it…..Hook ’em Horns!

20. Hey Crip, Born and raised in Oal Park. If you ask for “sausage” you better specify Italian sausage or you will get breakfast sausage. Give Joe’s a try in Keller. Best around.

21. Scott,
    Yeah, I noticed that about the breakfast sausage…what a difference. I lived on Grove in between The Eisenhower and Roosevelt, walking distance from Buona Beef and Giovanni’s.

    Anyhow, I have not made it to Joe’s in Keller yet as it’s 40 minutes from where I am at in Flower Mound and, well, I’m lazy. That said, we have ordered recently from Womax (or Moose’s as it is now called) in Flower Mound. The Deep Dish is OK to maybe a little less than OK, but the thin crust ain’t bad. It’s definitely better than anything else we’ve had down here.

    Susan B,
    I frequented Aurillio’s in Villa Park. It was definitely good, but a little salty for my taste.

    -Crip

22. I lived on Ridgeland and Fillmore. We used to go to Al’s in Cicero for our pizza. Womax is nothing more than Rosati’s. We go to Joe’s every couple of months when we need our fill.

23. Scott,

    Are you an OPRF grad? If so, what year did you graduate?

    -Steve

24. Crip,

    I went to OPRF my freshman year. I would have graduated in ’87. We moved to Berkeley. I recall a pizza place on MAdison. I think it was called Pizza Amore’ or something like that. now the next thing we ned here is a Portillio’s. I miss the little hot dog joints that you find on every corner.

25. http://www.loumalnatis.com/ They’ll mail you Chicago Pizza anywhere in the world.

26. Going to Ft Worth for a convention, will try Little Joe’s. Raised in Streamwood, so in my book, nothing beats Nana’s for Beef. I tried the combo at Buona Beef a few weeks back. You can get better in Chicagoland, but at 11:30 PM, it can’t be beat.

27. I was born and raised in Hillside my wife in Cicero. We were exceiled to Southlake for ten years. Two years ago when our son graduated high school we decided it was time to go home. We now live in Elmwood Park withing walking distanc eof Johnnies and eat Pizza weekly at various places, Jim & petes Armands Q’s Falcos Al’s etc. Anyway while in Texas my go to place for Pizza was Natale’s in Dallas. 146 Spring Creek Shopping Center 972-392 7390 Run by an old Chicago area family it is the best thin crust you will find in the area. Small (was BYOB) and will remind you of a Chicago neighborhood place. I used to drive from Southlake every two weeks for a fix. They make their own excellent Italian sausage, no Texas rabbit turd “sausage” here. They will also par cook to take home and finish but it is best eaten there piping hot from the oven.

28. Friends of my husband told him about a place in Arlington that has real Chicago-style pizza. He thinks the name of the place is Weinsteins. Anyone heard of it? Recommendations???

29. There is a Weinburger’s deli in grapevine that serves some Chicago stuff i.e. dogs, beefs, polishes but no pizza.

30. Better late then never…I finally took my family to Little Joe’s in Keller. It was definitely the best deep dish pizza that I’ve had in the metroplex, but would end up being middle of the road in Chicago. We got one deep dish and one stuffed…I definitely recommend the deep dish over the stuffed. I felt that the sauce was a bit thin and that they could have added some more meat to the festivities, but overall it was pretty solid.

31. I live in Dallas but have been to Chicago. I ate at Pizzeria Due. It was amazing. I’ve been craving it ever since we came back. Can’t find anything like that in the metroplex. Sad. I will say one thing about BJ’s pizza. It’s by no means Chicago style, but it is amazing pizza.

32. Thanks for posting these. BJ’s is not Chicago pizza but for the most part I have enjoyed it though I have had one or two that were just OK. The first Chicago Rick’s I had was Ok and I called a second time to order and told them I was disappointed with the first and to put more cheese on it. They did and it was much better. I definitely appreciated that they listened to the customer. I have not been to the flying tomato in years but it was excellent. Hope it is still good. I would eat at all these places again. Think I will try that Chicago Place or Rositas in the next week or two. I have ordered Lou Malnati’s and had it shipped here. It was good but it needs to be thawed before cooking. Looking forward to Gino’s. I have never been to Chicago but was introduced to its pizza by Nancy’s Pizza in Atlanta. It was food from the God’s as far as I was concerned. They do have Chicago locations and I am posting their website.
    http://www.nancyspizza.com/index.html

    Again, all of you who have posted: Thanks.

33. You can order Lou Malnati’s from the website I am posting below. I really enjoyed the crust. It is good pizza but I would have enjoyed more tomato sauce. I am also posting Gino’s, have not had it but a Chicago friend of mine recommended it. Both offer reasonable pricing with shipping being $18-23 for a couple of pizzas.

    Lou’s
    http://www.tastesofchicago.com/

    Gino’s:
    http://featuredfoods.com/

34. Also from Park Forest, Went to Rich east “95” moved down here but was trying to get to houston. Man I am starved down here I need a good beef sandwhich, some ribs and a hotdog. I used to whine to these dallas folks that they do not know good food. They are fat for no good reason my extra 50 pounds I carry come from portillios, Lems ribs, Aurellios pizza. Not this nasty sonic, cc pizza mess. I am looking up “little joes” right now!! Worest of all pregant and craving good food.

35. To Jon from 06 be quiet if you are not from chicago! SHUT uP! A chicago themed pizza does not give you the qualifications to judge anything chicago. Yeah We proud Chicago people announce where we are from becuase we can be pround of our city. There is NO place like Chicago and we do not like to be bull craped about Chicago style food. This site is for the people who were from there. Born and raised. WE know good food! Dallas Ribs Suck to!!

    I also have to agree Chicago Ricks BAD SERVICE, EXPENSIVE and NOT GOOD!!!! They should be NOT be allowed to have Chicago in their title. BJ’s Sucks to. I took my husband there becuase he was craving some Chicago style pizza he was so mad at me over that sorry!@@# pizza he sent the pizza back and told off the manager.

36. The Tomato in Denton was hands down the best pizza, ever. I’ve missed ever since I moved away. I’m so sad to hear it’s gone–does anyone know if they managed to relocate?

    Failing that, can anyone give me a recipe for Garcia’s/Flying Tomato pizza? I’ve been looking all over the net.

37. I tried Chicago’s Finest in Plano for the first time in March. Folks I grew up eating at Uno’s in Addison and thoughts that was good but Chicago’s Finest is in a class by itself. They get most of their ingredients from Chicago and make the crust and cheese in-house. This is the closest you’re gonna get in Texas. It is one incredible pie.

38. To begin with, I was born and raised in Chicago. I moved away when I was 30, so I do not have a passing acquaintance with Chicago style cuisine. I have not been to some of the places mentioned in the earlier responses and I do not have time to read all of the entries. My husband and I found a great Chicago style pizza restaurant in McKinney. The name of the restaurant is “Chicago Street Pizza” and their address is 2414 West University Drive. This is west of 75 on 380 at the corner of Wisteria Way in the strip mall. It takes 45 minutes for them to make a deep dish pizza, so they recommend you call ahead. Their telephone number is 972-548-7050. They don’t have a menu online, but they will fax a copy of their menu. This pizza is really worth the time, distance, and effort.

39. There is a new place in plano called Chicago’s Gourmet pizza…. I got a 50 percent off ad for it in the mail so tried it out last night. I ordered a chicago style deep dish and what i got was a pizza that looked and tasted like dominoes with a 2 inch fluffy crust little sauce on top of it with cheese then the pepperonis on top on that… I will never go back and will tell everyone i know not to go there. It is a straight up lie. The owners claim to have studied chicago pizza the last 15 years. http://www.Chicago‘sgourmetpizza.com you can see pictures on there of this supposed deep dish pizza it looks almost identical to the other crust.

40. Have you tried Chicago St. Pizza in Plano on Coit Rd. and Hedgcoxe? I love their thin crust. They sell pizza by the slice at lunch time. I sometimes add toppings…

    http://www.chicagostreetpizza.net

41. Anybody here anything about Chicago PLace Pizza in Addison? is it open? Any info is appreciated…

42. My family has been going to Chicago Ricks for almost 8 years now. Love the pizza. It has a different flavor than the other chains – LOTS OF FLAVOR. Their pizza pie is incredible. It is almost 2 inches thick! I get the dawgs when I have time to sit in the lobby and watch the tube.

    My company made their website many years after being just a customer.
    Chicago Ricks

    Keep up the great food Sam and Paul!

43. Born and raised on the north side (GO Cubbies), Harlem and Irving area, close to Taft High. Moved to Schaumburg, then Bloomingdale. Went to Glendbard North in Carol Stream. Really miss the food!! Glad to hear of Little Joe’s, bit of a drive but I am going this weekend. I owned a Chicago Style Hot Dog joint in Colorado Springs, miss the Vienna dog’s, and beef’s.

44. I hear that Little Joe’s in Keller has a new owner and has changed the pizza. You may want to call ahead and ask questions before going.

45. Where can a man in NC get one of these wonderful deepdish pies?

46. The best place was Sweet Home Chicago in Fort Worth but it closed this past year!! So sad.

47. I tried to call Little Joe’s last night and the phone is not a working number. I searched for awhile and found no alternative number. I’m guessing that they went out of business. Too bad. I live near Denton and since “The Tomato” closed I’ve been dying for a good stuffed pizza.

48. My family moved to Rockwall in 2006. We came here from the Western Suburbs of Chicago. The things I miss most are the Chicago Style Pizza and the Italian Beef sandwiches. I have been searching for good pizza for almost two years. We found a fantastic Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza at Deliciano’s Pizza in downtown Heath, Texas. My wife says it is better than Giordanno’s, the sauce, the crust everything about it is fantastic. I’m hoping he will soon have some Chicago Style Hotdogs and Italian Beef sandwiches. The search is over…..

49. I’m a chicagoean that enjoys her stuffed pizza like anyone else. I would say a Pizza Snob, and for the ones who wrote about not understanding about what all the hype with chicago food is… Just go and you will understand. Otherwise keep your ignorant comments to yourself.
    Anyway…. I found a place in Frisco that is very very good. And trust me until I tasted it I wasn’t a believer. It’s called Chicago Pizza Cafe. You can eat it there and it’s very close to the taste of home. Give it a try….

50. JUST MOVED TO DFW AREA> I lived and worked in Chicago on the NS, WS, ES and SS as a police officer so I’ve had my share of Amato’s, Art of Pizza, Bacinos, Beggars, Connies, Demenzios, Due, Edwardo’s, Falcos, Father & Son’s, Freddies, Ginos East, Giordanos, Home Run Inn, Lou Malnatis, Moretti’s, Nancy’s, Nick & Vitos, Pizanos, Pizza Capri, Pompei, Reggio’s, Ricobene’s, Rosatis, Rusticas, Uno, God awful Aurelios in Indiana, not to mention L/C, D’s, P/H, and a host of others. SO I have my work cut out for me trying to find good pizza, get back to you later.

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