Lou Malnati's: what kind of place?

[IndyGirl]

Hi Chicago CHers,

Pardon the dense nature of my question, but--should I/ can I call ahead for Friday-night seating at the Lou Malnati's near the Hyatt Regency on East Wacker? We're only in town for two nights and will be driving and tired on the first night, so I would like a laid-back dinner.

I assume it's a pretty big place... any guidance would be helpful. Also would love some recommendations for places for breakfast or lunch on Sunday.

Thanks!!

Indygirl

[jbontario]

I'm a former Michigander and don't worry you can opine on the pies here--I admit it, once in a while i take a spin to my nearest (miles away) Little Ceasers.

IMO, I would choose Lou's and make a reservation/call ahead. No need to order in advance. Make sure to get the butter crust--so good.

I would also suggest that there's a newer Lou Malnati's in the Gold Coast on N State St that also then puts you in the middle of some fun nightlife and great people watching. About a 10-15 minute cab ride from Hyatt.

[IndyGirl]

Thank you for this- perhaps soon I will type up a more detailed report but I am no expert on Chicago pizza, so I don't want to seem presumptuous!

[weinstein5]

Definitely it will be a laid back dinner - it terms of calling ahead it will depend - I just went to Lou's in evanston and they had a party of 40 there that made us wait 45 minutes for a party of 7 -

If your party is small say 5 or less even at their busiest I would say a 30 minute wait -

[IndyGirl]

it will just be two of us--sounds perfect!

[IndyGirl]

Do they have wine there? (Important detail, LOL!)

[ferret]

They do have a bar. You might also consider Pizano's, also fairly close by and remarkably similar (the two chains are owned by different Malnatis but the pizza is the same).

[weinstein5]

Both pizzas are excellent but they are different and taste differently IMO - to me it seems like Lou's uses more butter thank Pizaonos

[IndyGirl]

Do I need reservations at pizano's? Thanks!!

[lbs]

depends on what time you are coming in at. Prime time eating hours, I would. Also, you can order your pizza ahead of time and not have the 40 min wait if you are hungry

[IndyGirl]

Ok, thanks! Which pizanos is close to the Hyatt regency on east Wacker? I would look but have limited abilities on my phone- i see there's more than one.

[weinstein5]

I think the location on Madison will be closest - http://www.pizanoschicago.com/the-loo...

There is also one on State Street that is a bit further north

[mike_d]

And am I remembering rightly that the State st. location is smaller than the Madison spot?

[IndyGirl]

We are there now!! Great recommendation! Thanks!

[lbs]

LOL! Talk about on the scene reporting! Enjoy!

[delk]

LOL! Hope you did not get wet! Walk off the pizza on the 7th floor of Macy's, not your average food court.Some heavy hitters (Bayless, Takashi, Samuelsson).

[ferret]

Better than that, head over to Block 37 (across State Street from Macy's) they have outlets for Andy's Frozen Custard, Beard Papa (Japanese cream puffs filled to order with cream or custard) and Magnolia cupcake Bakery (skip the cupcakes and go for banana pudding).

[IndyGirl]

Thanks! We will look for Macy's! I would not dare to post an official review of Chicago piZza as a Michigander, but it was perfect--- thanks again for the recommendation!

[weinstein5]

Enjoy -

[IndyGirl]

You guys are the best ! We did go to macs but I was so full I just got a ginger juice at the food court on the third level. Tomorrow may present opportunities for the other things you all so graciously mentioned!!