Pizza preferences are personal: we’re five years into our quest to find California style pizza in Phoenix. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria serves up Chicago style pizza at three locations in Phoenix. A Chicago style pie is pretty much the opposite of our Holy Grail: thick, chewy crust—but Lou Malnati’s pizza is so good we almost forgot to compare it to Round Table.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Scottsdale: We came. We ate. We over ordered.
Our best tips for visiting Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in Phoenix:
There are three Lou Malnati’s locations in Phoenix.
If you live in north Phoenix or north Glendale, the north Scottsdale Lou Malnati’s is just a 12-mile drive from the 17/101 interchange—exit Scottsdale Rd.
Travel tip for friends unfamiliar with Phoenix: Don’t ever head east at drive time (3–7 p.m.) unless you don’t want to go west again til after 7 p.m.
You can’t eat a pizza that big.
When KC and I ordered a large deep dish pizza, our server asked, “So you want to take some home for tomorrow?” We laughed him off and ordered calamari too. “Stuffed” is an understatement. Here’s what we’ll order next time:
- Calamari again, because it’s too good to pass up. $9.25
- One large Malnati Chicago Classic for two adults and one always-hungry teenage boy. $24.95
- One personal Malnati Chicago Classic for Jameson, who doesn’t eat cheese. $10.25
- One tiramisu to go. $6.95
- Total $51.40 for a family of four before drinks, tax, and tip.
If you don’t want to have a pizza baby in your belly for the rest of the night, just order a large Malnati Chicago Classic for four and cut your bill in half.
Don’t gild the lily.
We added pepperoni to our Malnati Chicago Classic because KC loves a meaty pizza. There is so much sausage on the Classic it’s basically the top crust. Don’t add extra toppings.
What we love about Lou Malnati’s in north Scottsdale:
The service is fantastic. KC and I have 30 years of restaurant experience between us, so we’re really picky about service. Everyone at Lou Malnati’s is attentive and friendly, from the kid manning the phone to the host staff to the bartender to our server—a native Chicagoan.
There are two family restrooms at the front of the restaurant, plus large restrooms in the back. Lou Malnati’s is usually on a wait (always a good sign!) plus that deep dish deliciousness takes 25 minutes to bake so you’ll appreciate the restroom options, especially if you visit with kids.
Room for improvement (yes, we’re picky):
We noticed a busboy with hair so unruly we’re pretty sure some of it drifted onto guests’ plates. We suggest revisiting grooming guidelines with all staff.
Someone had used a dirty mop the night we visited. Outside: the inviting aroma of pizza baking. Inside: the stench of dirty mop water. We understand that kids these days don’t know how to clean but it’s pretty simple: Use fresh water and sanitizer every time, and rinse the mop in clean, sanitized water at the end of the night and hang the mop up to dry.
A second not-clean ding at the bar: My pint glass smelled just like that mop water. Either the bar dishwater isn’t being changed out every half hour, or the barback is using a dirty towel to dry the glasses.
These are easy problems to fix, and most guests won’t notice what we notice. The great service and delicious pizza will bring us back to Lou Malnati’s with our family.
More family fun in Phoenix:
Dobbins Lookout: The Phoenix View You Can Drive To! Free things to do with kids in Phoenix!
All Culture Pass Attractions on 1 map! Free Things to do in Phoenix with Kids—Culture Pass Tips
Hamming It Up at the Heard Museum with Teens and Tweens! FREE Things to do in Phoenix with Kids!
Read all Family Fun in Phoenix posts on All Day Mom family travel blog.
