You do not need a plane ticket to Chicago to sink your teeth into a real deep dish pie. Across Tennessee, a handful of pizza shops are serving tall, cheesy, sauce-on-top slices and crispy tavern cuts that would make any Windy City native nod with approval. Some are run by folks who grew up in Chicago, and others just love the style enough to get it right.
Grab a fork and a big appetite, because these spots are worth the drive.
1. 312 Pizza Company, Nashville
Ever wonder what 312 means? It is the classic area code for downtown Chicago, and the name tells you exactly where this Nashville shop’s heart lives. The owners brought their Chicago roots south, and you can taste that pride in every pie.
Of all the places on this list, 312 Pizza Company might be the most natural fit. The menu covers both sides of the Chicago pizza world. You get the famous deep dish, and you also get thin, tavern-style pies that many locals back in Illinois actually eat more often.
Here is a fun fact that surprises a lot of people. Ask someone who grew up in Chicago what they order on a normal Friday night, and plenty will say tavern-style. That thin, crackly crust cut into little squares is a neighborhood favorite, while deep dish is often saved for special nights or visiting guests.
So which should you pick? If it is your first visit, try both if your group is big enough. Order a deep dish to share and a tavern pie to snack on while you wait, since the thick one takes longer to bake.
Patience matters with deep dish. A real one is built like a pie, with cheese on the bottom, toppings in the middle, and sauce spread across the top. That layering keeps the crust from getting soggy, but it also means the oven needs time to do its job.
The tavern-style pies are perfect for anyone who likes a little crunch. The square cuts make them easy to share, and kids tend to love grabbing the small corner pieces. Those corners are a hot item, so you may have to fight your friends for them.
Sausage is a smart topping choice for either style. In Chicago, sausage is often the go-to topping, sometimes spread in a wide layer instead of little crumbles. It pairs nicely with the tangy sauce and the stretchy cheese.
A few tips will help your visit go smoothly. Check the hours before heading out, and consider calling ahead if you want deep dish in a hurry. Weekends can get busy, so arriving a little early is never a bad idea.
Save room, because one slice of deep dish fills you up faster than you might expect. Many people end up taking leftovers home. The good news is that deep dish reheats well in the oven, so tomorrow’s lunch is basically handled.
For anyone missing home or curious about the real deal, this place earns a top spot. It feels like a little piece of Chicago tucked into Music City. Bring friends, bring an appetite, and maybe bring a to-go box plan.
2. Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom, Clarksville
Picture a Friday night after a long week. The game is on, your friends are laughing at a big booth, and a hot pizza lands in the middle of the table. That is the kind of easygoing scene you can expect at Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom in Clarksville.
The name gives away two big parts of the experience. You come for the pizza, and the taproom side makes it a popular hangout for grown-ups who enjoy trying different drinks. It feels more like a gathering spot than a quiet sit-down restaurant.
Clarksville is a busy city with lots of families, students, and military households. A place with plenty of seating and a relaxed vibe fits right in. Big groups can usually find a way to squeeze in together, which makes it handy for birthdays or team celebrations.
When it comes to food, the Chicago theme is the star. Deep dish fans will want to look for the thicker, heartier options on the menu. If someone in your crew prefers thin crust, there are usually choices for them too, so nobody feels left out.
Since menus can change over time, glance at the current options online before you go. That way you can plan your order and avoid standing around while everyone debates. A little planning keeps hungry kids, and hungry adults, much happier.
One smart move is to start with a shareable appetizer. Pizza with a thick crust takes a while to cook properly, and having something to nibble on helps the wait fly by. It also gives everyone a chance to settle in and chat.
Families should know that the bar side is only part of the picture. Plenty of people bring kids for a casual dinner, especially earlier in the evening. If you want a calmer meal, try visiting before the late crowd shows up.
Watching sports? This is the kind of place where cheering for your team is part of the fun. Big screens and a social crowd make game days feel extra lively. Just expect it to be louder and busier when a major game is on.
Leftovers are almost guaranteed if you order deep dish. Ask for a box early so you do not overeat just to finish your slice. A thick piece warmed in the oven the next day can taste nearly as good as the first round.
For Clarksville locals, this spot is an easy pick when you want a Chicago-inspired meal without driving to Nashville. It blends comfort food with a social, upbeat feel. Call your friends, pick a night, and let the pizza do the rest.
3. Campione’s Taste of Chicago, Gallatin
Some restaurants promise a taste of somewhere else. Campione’s puts that promise right in its name, and the Gallatin location backs it up with a menu full of Chicago favorites.
Campione’s has more than one spot, and this Gallatin shop carries the same Windy City spirit. Deep dish pizza is on the menu, along with other classic dishes that Chicago folks grow up loving. For Sumner County residents, it means no long drive just to scratch that craving.
Gallatin has a friendly small-city feel, and a neighborhood pizza place fits it perfectly. You can stop in after a ball game, a school event, or a day out on the lake. Casual clothes are totally fine here.
Let us talk about the deep dish first. A good one has a sturdy, buttery crust that holds up a mountain of cheese and toppings. The sauce sits on top, chunky and bright, which is the trademark move of Chicago pies.
Eating it takes a bit of strategy. Grab a fork and knife for the first few bites, because the cheese can be molten right out of the oven. Once it cools a few minutes, you can try picking up a slice like a champ.
Beyond pizza, keep an eye out for other Chicago classics on the menu. Many Chicago-themed spots serve things like Italian beef sandwiches or Chicago-style hot dogs. Check the current menu, because trying one of these alongside your pizza makes the meal feel even more authentic.
Did you know? A true Chicago hot dog is famous for skipping ketchup. Instead, it is loaded with toppings like mustard, onions, relish, tomato, a pickle spear, and peppers.
Some Chicagoans take that no-ketchup rule very seriously.
If you are bringing a group, ordering a mix works well. One deep dish, one thinner pie, and a sandwich or two lets everyone sample something new. Splitting dishes is also a budget-friendly way to try more of the menu.
Timing is worth thinking about. Deep dish needs a longer bake, so calling ahead for takeout can save you a lot of waiting. If you dine in, settle in and enjoy the slower pace.
People who moved here from the Midwest often hunt for places that remind them of home. Campione’s gives them that comforting feeling, and it gives curious Tennesseans an easy introduction to Chicago food. It is a win for both crowds.
Next time you are in Gallatin and your stomach starts rumbling, put this place on your list. It is relaxed, filling, and full of Chicago flavor. Just remember to pace yourself, because deep dish is a heavyweight.
4. Little Chicago Pizzeria And Grill, Nashville
Deep dish lovers, this one is for you. Little Chicago Pizzeria And Grill in Nashville does not just offer one thick pie and call it a day. The menu gives you several deep dish versions, so you can pick your perfect match.
Choices range from simple to over-the-top. Classic cheese keeps things pure and lets the crust and sauce shine. Sausage adds that hearty, savory bite that Chicago fans expect.
Feeling bold? The supreme and meat-heavy options are stacked with toppings. These pies are seriously filling, and one slice can feel like a full meal.
Bring friends or plan on leftovers.
Here is a helpful way to choose. If you are new to deep dish, start with cheese or sausage. That gives you a clean taste of the style before you jump into the loaded versions.
Already a fan? Go big with the supreme or a meat-packed pie. All those layers hide under the sauce, so every bite is a little surprise.
You might hit pepperoni, then peppers, then a pocket of sausage.
A quick history bit makes the meal more fun. Chicago deep dish became famous in the 1940s, and it has been a point of city pride ever since. People still argue about who makes the best one, which tells you how much they care.
The grill part of the name hints that pizza is not the only thing on offer. Check the menu for other options if someone in your group wants something different. That makes it a good pick for families with picky eaters.
Since deep dish bakes slowly, ordering ahead is a smart move. Calling in before you leave home can cut down your wait. If you dine in, bring some conversation and enjoy the anticipation.
Let your pizza rest for a couple of minutes before digging in. The cheese is extremely hot right out of the oven, and the layers settle a bit as it cools. Your mouth will thank you for the patience.
Reheating leftovers is easy and worth doing right. Skip the microwave if you can and use an oven or a covered skillet. That keeps the crust crisp instead of chewy.
For anyone in Nashville who measures pizza by how heavy the box feels, this spot is a strong contender. The range of deep dish styles means you can come back again and again without getting bored. Try a new one each visit and find your favorite.
Bottom line, if deep dish is your thing, this little pizzeria deserves a big place on your list. Come hungry and leave very full.
5. East Of Chicago Pizza, Germantown
Can’t agree on a crust? Every family has that one person who wants thick, another who wants thin, and someone who just wants it crispy. East Of Chicago Pizza in Germantown solves that argument before it starts.
The menu includes an authentic Chicago-style deep dish, plus pan, thin, and crispy-crust pizzas. That variety makes it a peacemaker for group dinners. Everyone gets their favorite, and nobody has to compromise.
Germantown is a quiet, family-focused suburb near Memphis. A dependable pizza shop with options for everyone fits right in with soccer practice nights and lazy weekends. It is the kind of spot locals tend to keep on speed dial.
So how do the crusts compare? Deep dish is tall, layered, and filling, with sauce on top. Pan pizza is thick and fluffy but usually built the regular way, with sauce under the cheese.
Thin crust is lighter and easy to eat by the slice. Crispy crust has extra crunch, which is great if you love that snap when you bite. Trying a few side by side is a fun way to learn what you like best.
Here is a smart family trick. Order one deep dish for the adventurous eaters and one thin crust for the kids. The thin pie usually comes out faster, so little ones can start eating while the deep dish finishes baking.
Fun fact time. Many people outside Illinois think Chicagoans only eat deep dish. In reality, thinner crusts are hugely popular there too, so offering both is actually very true to the city.
Takeout and delivery-style meals are a big part of many neighborhood pizza shops. If you are planning a movie night or a sleepover, check whether ordering ahead works for you. A hot pie at home with a good film is hard to beat.
Toppings are another chance to get creative. Try something classic like sausage on your deep dish, then go wild with veggies on a thin crust. Mixing it up keeps the meal interesting.
If you are counting calories, the thin crust is the lighter pick. If you are counting on being full until tomorrow, deep dish is your answer. Either way, you are covered.
Leftover deep dish makes a great next-day lunch. Warm it in the oven so the crust stays firm. Thin crust leftovers can even be eaten cold, which plenty of people secretly love.
For Germantown families who want a taste of Chicago without leaving the neighborhood, this shop makes it simple. It is flexible, friendly, and full of choices. Gather the crew and let everyone pick their crust.
6. Rotolo’s Craft & Crust, Memphis
First Timer, Italian Club, Simple Man, Windy City. These are not band names. They are deep dish pizzas at Rotolo’s Craft & Crust in Memphis, and the playful names are half the fun of ordering.
Memphis is famous for barbecue, so finding a full Chicago deep dish section here feels like a happy surprise. Rotolo’s gives the style its own spot on the menu instead of tucking it away. That tells you they take it seriously.
Let us start with the First Timer. The name pretty much begs new deep dish eaters to give it a shot. If you have never had Chicago-style pizza before, this is an easy way to break the ice.
Simple Man sounds like it is meant for folks who like to keep things straightforward. Sometimes the best pizza is the one that does not try too hard. Let the crust, cheese, and sauce do the talking.
The Italian Club suggests something hearty and stacked with flavor. Pies with club-style names often lean toward plenty of meats and savory layers. Check the menu for exact toppings so you know what you are getting.
Then there is the Windy City. With a name like that, it practically has to be a tribute to Chicago itself. Ordering it feels like a little salute to the city that made deep dish famous.
Not sure which to pick? Gather a group and order two different pies to compare. Sharing is a great way to try more of the menu without overstuffing yourself.
The word craft in the name hints at a place that cares about quality and details. That makes it a nice choice for a date night or a dinner with friends who love good food. It feels a bit more special than a quick slice.
Deep dish takes time in the oven, so plan your visit with that in mind. If you are on a tight schedule, calling ahead or ordering early can help. Good things really do come to those who wait.
Did you know? The tomato sauce goes on top of a deep dish because the long bake could burn cheese placed up there. Putting cheese underneath protects it, while the sauce bubbles away above.
Memphis locals who grew up on barbecue might be surprised how much they enjoy a thick slice of Chicago pizza. And visitors from Illinois may find a comforting taste of home. Rotolo’s manages to welcome both groups.
Next time you are in Memphis and want a break from ribs, head here. Pick the pie with the name that makes you smile. You honestly cannot go wrong with that strategy.
7. Slice and Dice Chicago Pizza, Spring Hill
Moving away from home usually means missing something. For one family who spent years around Chicago, that something was the pizza. So they did what any determined pizza lover would do and opened Slice and Dice Chicago Pizza in Spring Hill.
This is a family-run business with a clear goal. They want to bring authentic Chicago pizza to Middle Tennessee. Instead of offering a little bit of everything, they focus on the style they know and love.
That focus is a big deal. When a shop zeroes in on one kind of food, it often gets really good at it. You can feel that care in a place built around a single passion.
Spring Hill has grown fast, with lots of new families and folks moving in from other states. Some of them came from the Midwest and miss their hometown pies. A spot like this feels like a warm welcome for them.
Locals who have never tried Chicago pizza get a treat too. Ordering from people who grew up with it means you are getting a version made with real memories behind it. It is like having a friend from Chicago cook for you.
Talk to the folks behind the counter if you get the chance. Family-run places often love sharing stories about their food and where it came from. You might pick up a tip about the best way to order.
New to the style? Start with a classic, like cheese or sausage. That way you can taste the crust and sauce without too many toppings getting in the way.
Once you are hooked, branch out on your next visit.
Keep in mind that Chicago pizza is not just one thing. Deep dish gets all the fame, but thin, square-cut pies are a hometown staple too. Check the menu to see which styles are available when you visit.
Supporting a family business feels good. Your money helps a local family chase their dream, and you get a great meal in return. That is a pretty sweet deal.
Small shops can have limited hours or busy rushes. Look up the schedule before you head over so you do not end up at a locked door. Ordering ahead on weekend nights can save time.
If you live in Williamson or Maury County, this shop is close enough for a regular pizza night. It is also worth a short trip from Franklin or Columbia. Pack the car and bring your appetite.
Spring Hill might be a long way from Lake Michigan, but this little shop shrinks the distance. Real Chicago roots, real family pride, and real pizza make it a fitting final stop. Your taste buds will feel like they took a road trip.
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