From creative cut toppings like spicy olive oil to deep-dish crust, I crush over several pizzerias in Chicago. For the love of pizza, I’ve compiled a list of my top favorites.

1. Bar Cargo is an upscale sports bar in River North featuring Roman-style 96-hour rise crust pizza, bar bites, salads and sandwiches, and a full bar. A “Cargo Piccolo,” or a small, costs $22. It is suggested to serve 2 but it was so large we had leftovers.

   605 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60654) Mon-Thur 11:30 am - 11:00 pm Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 12:00 am Sun 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

   https://www.barcargo.com (312) 929-0065

2. Bonci is a casual counter-service eatery in the West Loop & Wicker Park featuring Roman-style pizza by the pound, single-serve beers, wines, and canned cocktails This pizzeria has some of the most creative menu of ingredients which is perfect for an adventurous pair who’s open to try new things. It’s a cool concept that I highly recommend for a cute casual lunch date since there’s not a lot of available seating. These scissor-cut pizzas are priced $5-12 per lb. West Loop Location: 161 N Sangamon St Chicago, IL 60607) Mon-Sat 8:00 am - 10:00 pm Sun 8:00 am - 9:00 pm (Wicker Park) 1566 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 bonciusa.com (312) 243-4016

3. Stix N Brix is a restaurant and Red Line Cafe located in Bridgeport, serving wood fired pizzas. The Red Line Cafe features breakfast, coffee, smoothies and pastries. For White Sox fans, Stix n Brix is a great BYOB spot (with no corkage fee) to pre-game at since it's walking distance from the stadium. Enjoy crispy, chewy, authentic wood fired pizza fresh from the visible wood-fired stove. You can't go wrong by ordering the classic pepperoni which has the perfect amount of kick. Pizzas are 10" (about 6 slices) and cost $11-15 dollars (all menu prices include tax so tip your waitress well). Be sure to check-in through yelp to treat yourself to free dessert. The dessert options change frequently.

   Mon 11am-7pm, Tues-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-4pm 220 W 33rd Chicago, IL 60616 stixnbrix33.com (312) 265-0219

4. Forno Rosso is a casual pizzzeria in the West Loop specializing in Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, appetizers, pastas, paninis, Italian drinks, and a full bar. Make sure you drizzle your plate with the spicy olive oil. You can fill up fast on $10-17 per pie

   1048 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60607 Mon - Thu 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Fri - Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 am Sun 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (312) 243-6000 fornorossopizzeria.com

5. Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. is a dimly-lit cash only pizzeria (located in the basement level of a three-story brick building) featuring grinders and pizza pot pies (a bowl-shaped crust filled with sauce and toppings, and covered with cheese). Rumor has it that Capone’s men gunned down seven members of a rival gang at the infamous St. Valentines Day Massacre and used Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder’s building as a lookout point. Lincoln Park (2121 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60614) Hours: Mon- Thurs 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm - 12:00 am Sat 11:30 am - 12:00 am Sun 1:30 am - 11:00 pm Phone Number (773) 248-2570 Website: https://chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/

6. Giordano’s: Chicago’s Famous Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza is my all-time favorite with more than 50 locations nationwide. Visit the bar in the downtown location to supreme service and happy hour specials. Location: 223 W Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL 60606 Hours: Mon - Thurs 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Fri -Sat 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sun 11:00 am-9:00 pm Website: https://giordanos.com/ Phone: (312) 583 - 9400

7. Waldo Cooney’s  is a family owned and operated, no-frills pizzeria featuring double dough crust pizza, sandwiches, appetizers, & full service catering. Sign up for the VIP Rewards Club to receive a free gift on your birthday. The specials are 30% off full pizzas on Tuesdays, $0.59 wings every Wednesday, and buy one get one slice free on Thursdays. Mention Yelp and receive an 18-inch Cheese Pizza for $18.99. I’d recommend ordering the individual jumbo slices on Thursday for a night in at home. I go to the one in Gage Park but there are 7 locations in the Chicago & South Suburbs. 2640 W. 51st St.  Chicago, IL https://waldocooneyspizza.com/ Hours vary by location. (773) 434-0313

8. Home Run Inn is a classic pizza headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois. There are 9 locations. Check out the website: https://www.homeruninnpizza.com/