Giordano's - Prudential Plaza

Giordano's at Prudential Plaza, 130 E Randolph Street, is the downtown Loop location of the Chicago stuffed-pizza chain, set near Millennium Park and the Michigan Avenue corridor in Illinois. Giordano's is associated with stuffed pizza rather than the thinner-layered deep dish found elsewhere in the city: the crust is built in two layers, with a bottom crust pressed into a deep pan, a very thick filling of mozzarella and toppings, and a second thin layer of dough sealed over the top before the tomato sauce is spread across it. The result is taller and denser than a standard deep dish and eats more like a savory pie. The signature order is the special stuffed pizza, loaded with sausage and other toppings, and the stuffed spinach pizza is the standard vegetarian choice. Because the pies are assembled and baked to order, the kitchen needs about 45 minutes for a full-size pizza, which makes appetizers, salads and drinks a normal part of the meal. The dining room has a casual, family-friendly feel, with a mix of office workers at lunch, theatre-goers heading to the nearby Loop venues, convention visitors and tourists; there is no dress code and the noise level is moderate to loud when full. The location is a convenient stop for travellers staying in the Loop or visiting the Art Institute, Millennium Park and the Chicago Riverwalk, all within walking distance. The restaurant lists online ordering through giordanos.com and a phone line at (312) 616-1200 rather than a formal reservation system, so walk-ins and call-ahead seating are the usual approach. Peak periods are weekday lunch, early evening before events and weekends; arriving slightly before or after these windows shortens the wait. Pricing is moderate, with large pies priced for sharing among two to four people, and takeout and delivery are widely used. Visitors who want to try both styles of Chicago pizza usually pair a stuffed pie here with a traditional deep dish at another restaurant on a different night.