Giordano’s, one of the most recognized names in Chicago deep-dish pizza, is expanding its menu in a significant way. The restaurant chain has officially launched a new tavern-style pizza, marking the first major addition to its pizza lineup in years.
The release coincides with National Tavern-Style Pizza Day on October 22, a fitting moment to showcase the square-cut, thin-crust pie that many locals grew up with in neighborhood bars and pizzerias.
A Thin-Crust Pivot from a Deep-Dish Legacy
Known for its stuffed deep-dish pizza that helped define the image of Chicago-style pizza globally, Giordano’s is now embracing the other side of the city’s pizza identity.
The new tavern-style pizza features a paper-thin, crispy crust cut into squares, a style that’s long been a staple in Chicago’s South and West Side taverns.
According to Giordano’s, its culinary team developed the crust using a croissant-inspired dough technique, folding in Wisconsin mozzarella to create a light, flaky texture. The result is a crunch-focused experience aimed at delivering both flavor and nostalgia.
“Chicago is a city that takes its pizza seriously,” said Giordano’s CEO Nick Scarpino. “Over the past 50 years, our deep-dish has become a symbol of Chicago around the world. Now, we’re adding our tavern-style pizza that will surely become just as famous.”
Jesse Harris, the company’s Corporate Executive Chef, said the goal was to “capture the essence” of the beloved local style while maintaining Giordano’s standard of quality.
The tavern-style pizza is now available at participating locations throughout the Chicagoland area for dine-in, carryout, and delivery. It joins Giordano’s existing menu of deep-dish and traditional thin-crust pizzas.
With the move, Giordano’s becomes the latest major Chicago pizzeria to formally embrace tavern-style, a style many residents consider the city’s true everyday pizza.