LINCOLN PARK. Gourmet pizzas are the order of the day at Bricks, and the scrumptious pies sport quite colorful names. Try the "Painful" with spicy pepperoni, purple onion, fresh jalapenos, garlic, and mozzarella; the "Berzerkely" with smoked ham, artichoke hearts, sweet red peppers, and mozzarella; or the "Popeye" with fresh spinach, tomatoes, roasted garlic, feta, and mozzarella. Salads and appetizers round out the menu.

LAKE VIEW. Pizza parlors are a dime a dozen in Chicago, but a lot of them don't have an expansive menu. Not so this place, which offers pizza and so much more. Start off with chicken fingers or garlic-spiked Vesuvio potatoes. Choose from Pesto Lovers or Grecian Delight pizza, either stuffed or thin crust. Don't crave pizza? Pick from a plethora of other options like wraps, paninis, burgers, and pastas, all delivered until 5am. Other locations on Lincoln, Montrose, and Irving Park.

HYDE PARK. Located on the South Side near the University of Chicago, this edition of the popular pizza chain is highly regarded for its gourmet pizza pies, stuffed pizzas, and calzones. Traditionalists can start off with a delicious cheese pizza and top it with roasted red peppers, elephant garlic, basil, or pesto. Hearty pastas, hot sandwiches, and fresh-made salads are also available. A family-friendly atmosphere dominates, and the energetic staff goes the extra mile to help groups celebrate special events.

RIVER NORTH. Chicago-style pizza has won droves of ardent fans, and this restaurant is probably the downfall for most of them. Just try to resist the irresistible, deep-dish Chicago pizza with oozing cheese, rich sauce, and fresh toppings from its crisp, cornmeal-infused crust. The spacious dining room seats 500 but still the lines form, and people eagerly await what is considered the best pizza in the town (or maybe anywhere). The ambience is casual with graffiti-covered walls (no profanity!) and dark booths. But people don't come here for the environment; they come for the pizza. You can even take a frozen one home if you call ahead.

DOWNTOWN. No trip to the Windy City is complete without sampling the distinctive deep-dish pizza. A great place to start is the Prudential Plaza location of this popular Chicago-style chain, whose spinach deep-dish has gained legendary status. If meat is your thing, go for the classic cheese pie topped with pepperoni, sausage, and fresh garlic. A variety of pasta and salad dishes is also available. When you head back home, you may get the craving for Giordano's. Don't fret: you can order frozen pizzas via their website! There is another location at 730 N Rush St (312-951-0747).