Giordano's — Restaurant in Chicago

This was my first experience at Giordano’s and it may be my last.

My girlfriend and I waited 30 mins to get a table for 2, no big deal. Once we got seated, our waiter got us water and quickly took our order because they stated the pizzas take 45mins to an hour. Again, no big deal.

We got our salads to start within 10 mins, great! The Caesar salad was the best part of the meal. Our water ran out and it took us about 20 mins to flag down our waiter to get more water after he passed us a few times to seat new tables behind us. In total he had about 4-5 tables.

We got our pizza after about 40 mins which is to be expected. We had another couple that sat down about 10 mins prior to that get their pizza 10 minutes after we got ours which made us suspicious. Why did they get theirs quicker?

Our waiter continued to neglect us serving other tables and Ignoring us when we needed more water and then at that point, needed a box for our remaining two slices.

Our water was nowhere to be found and the couple that came after us had their pizza boxed up and got their check.

I was livid. Normally I am not one to complain at restaurants. I hardly leave a bad review if you look at my history but this was the worst experience I have had at a restaurant in years.

A different waitress walked by and asked if we needed anything because she saw the discomfort on our faces and I asked to speak to a manger and to have our pizza boxed up. She was very friendly and I wish I had her name because she was the most helpful.

The “floor manager” came to ask us about our experience after I requested to speak to him to which he smirked/laughed a little bit and said he will see what he can do. I told him I will pay the full bill, the money is not the problem but just to talk to his employee about the horrible service.

He did take care of the pizza as it was undercooked even after waiting 40 mins for it but his attitude did not show care...

Giordano’s, downtown Chicago. A temple of deep-dish excess that laughs in the face of moderation and heart health. You walk in and “Love Shack” is blaring—because apparently, nothing screams authentic Chicago pizza like a B-52s house party. The locals are already nodding along, their accents thicker than the cheese pull on your first slice.

The décor? Straight out of 1985. Neon signs that should’ve burned out during Reagan’s second term, vinyl booths that are somehow cleaner than an operating table, and a vibe that says: we’ve been here forever, and yes, you’re underdressed.

Then there’s Cortez, the bartender. Guy’s got the kind of easy swagger that makes you feel like you’ve been drinking here for years. He asks where I’m from, and before I can even finish the sentence, he’s rattling off more facts about my home state than the governor probably knows. Five minutes in and I’m homesick, comfortable, and suspicious that Cortez might secretly be the mayor of Chicago.

I ask about the happy hour special. He slides me a taste of their brew, like some kind of beer sommelier in a Cubs cap. It’s good. Too good. I order a pint immediately, because why pretend I have willpower?

Then the pizza lands. Calling this “pizza” is like calling a wrecking ball “a gentle tap.” It’s molten lava cheese layered on buttery crust, dense enough to bend the laws of physics. Two slices in, Cortez leans over the bar to check if I’m okay—like a concerned mother, except way cooler and with better beer. Honestly, I don’t think my actual mom checked on me this much in 18 years.

This is the heart of Chicago. Loud, cheesy, welcoming, and unapologetically itself. Forget Michelin stars—this deserves a medal, a parade, maybe even its own national holiday. You don’t just eat at Giordano’s. You survive it. And you leave smiling, covered in tomato sauce, wondering how soon you can justify...

If you’ve never had Giordano’s Pizza, you are definitely missing out. I recently visited, and let me just say—it was an experience worth talking about.

The Food: I went for their famous stuffed deep-dish pizza, and it did not disappoint! The crust was buttery and crisp, the cheese was perfectly melted, and the sauce tasted homemade with just the right amount of seasoning. It was hot, cheesy, and flavorful—everything you want in a deep-dish pizza. You do have to wait around 45 minutes because they make each pizza fresh, but honestly, it’s worth every minute.

The Atmosphere: The vibe was very welcoming and relaxed. It felt like the kind of place where you can enjoy a family dinner or catch up with friends. The restaurant was clean, well-lit, and had that classic Chicago-style charm. There was a good mix of music playing in the background, not too loud, and the whole place smelled amazing.

The Service: My waitress Naomi was the icing for me she was friendly, patient, and helpful—especially since it was my first time. They explained the menu, gave good recommendations, and kept checking in on us without being overbearing. Even though it was busy, I felt like they really cared about making sure we had a good experience.

The Price: It’s not your cheapest pizza spot, but the quality and portion sizes make it worth the price. We had leftovers to take home, which tasted just as good the next day. So I’d definitely call it a good value for the money.

My Overall Thoughts: Giordano’s lived up to the hype for me. From the delicious food to the great service and cozy atmosphere, I was honestly impressed. If you’re ever near one, make sure you go hungry and ready to enjoy a real Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. You won’t regret it ask for Naomi she’s a Beast at customer service...