It turns out there are a lot of Chicago-style eateries in Phoenix.
Scroll below to see where to get your Chicago-style deep-dish, hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments.
HALF MOON WINDY CITY SPORTS GRILL
Half Moon Windy City wants you to experience the taste of Chicago while living in the desert. They have the Italian beef sandwich, Vienna hot dogs, Eli's cheesecake and, of course, pizza made from family recipes.
IF YOU GO:
288 E Greenway Pkwy Phoenix, AZ 85022
LOU MALNATI’S
The first Lou Malnati's opened on March 17, 1971, in Chicago. Since then, 44 other locations have opened up in the state. In May 2016, Lou Malnati's opened its first out-of-state location in Phoenix's Uptown Plaza near Central and Camelback Road. The restaurant is known for its pizza, specifically deep-dish.
IF YOU GO:
There are eight locations around the Valley.
PORTILLO’S
Portillo's and Chicago seem to be synonymous with one another today, but did you know that the first Portillo's was not located in Chicago? The eatery was first called "The Dog House" and opened in 1963 in Villa Park, Illinois, about 30 minutes west of the city. It was re-named to Portillo's in 1967 and opened its first Chicago location in 1994. If you go, do not forget to walk out with a Chocolate Cake Shake.
IF YOU GO:
There are four locations around the Valley.
CHICAGO HAMBURGER COMPANY
Driving down Indian School Road, you'd be hard-pressed to not miss the mustard yellow "Chicago Hamburger Company" sign advertising sliders and Vienna hot dogs. Inside, you'll find a cozy dining area, counter service, and walls filled with Chicago memorabilia. They have sliders, hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and burgers.
IF YOU GO:
3749 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix AZ 85018
ROSATI’S PIZZA
The foundation for Rosati's Pizza began over 100 years ago in New York in an Italian restaurant. But, the first Rosati's Pizza location did not open until 1927 in downtown Chicago. From the dough to the sauce, it is all made from scratch from family recipes.
IF YOU GO:
There are 20 locations around Arizona.
SPINATO’S PIZZA
The Spinato's family moved from Chicago to Phoenix in 1974. That same year, the family opened their first pizzeria, hoping to introduce the Valley to Italian cuisine. The menu, of course, has pizza, calzones, pasta, and the famous Italian beef sandwich.
IF YOU GO:
There are six locations around the Valley.
OREGANO’S PIZZA BISTRO
Lawrence Gibbilini was born in 1918 in Chicago. He raised his family and found himself making pizza at home for his family and friends. His dream? According to his family, to open a restaurant of his own. Unfortunately, he passed away before that could happen, so his family stepped in to turn that dream into a reality. The family moved to Arizona for the sunshine and opportunity. On Nov. 18, 1993, Oregano's opened its first location in Scottsdale. The pizza is made using the old family recipes. The favorite? Sausage and cheese pizza.
IF YOU GO:
There are 15 Valley locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Mesa, Suprise, Queen Creek, and Cave Creek.
BARRO’S PIZZA
The first Barro's Pizza restaurant opened in 1961 in Chicago. After a stint in California, the family moved to Arizona in 1980 and opened a pizzeria in Mesa. Now, there are dozens of Barro's Pizzas around the Valley still using the family recipes. They do not have deep-dish pizza, but they have a variety of specialties, including thin crust.
IF YOU GO:
There are nearly 20 Barro’s Pizza locations in the Valley.
LUKE’S OF CHICAGO
Luke's of Chicago is a family-owned eatery located off Indian School Road between 16th Street and State Route 51. Cary and Diana Lee Del Principe opened their Valley location over 25 years ago. On the walls you'll find pictures of Chicago's Skyline. On the menu, you'll find Chicago favorites -- Chicago hot dog, Italian beef sandwich and Polish sausage.
IF YOU GO:
1602 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix AZ 85016
DAZZO'S DOG HOUSE
The Dazzo family grew up in Chicago and dreamed of opening their own hot dog stand, according to their website. Looking for a change in work and weather (winters can be rough), the family moved to Glendale and found a building that now houses Dazzo's. They serve hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and char-broiled burgers.
IF YOU GO:
6143 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale AZ 85301
VERO CHICAGO PIZZA
According to its website, Buddyz Pizza first began as a carry-out delivery service in Chicago known as Pizza Italia. It focused on both thin-crust and deep-dish pizza. In 2005, Buddyz launched in Algonquin. In 2013, the brand expanded to Queen Creek. A second Arizona location is planned for Gilbert. An opening date was not posted online at the time of this writing.
IF YOU GO:
There are five locations around the Valley.
CHICAGOLAND HOTDOGS
Chicagoland serves Chicago favorites like Vienna Beef hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, chili & cheese dog, polish sausage and sliders. They opened in 2005 in Mesa, according to their website.
IF YOU GO:
1152 N. Power Road, Mesa AZ 85205
CHIZONA'S PIZZA
ChiZona's Chicago pizza opened in 2000 in Scottsdale. Founder Derick Parisi said on his website that he opened ChiZona to bring his favorite foods to the Valley because he wasn't able to find them himself. They serve beef, gyros, beef hot dogs and sliders.
IF YOU GO:
8418 E McDonald Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
