A Chicago Pizza Expert's Guide to the City's Best Pies
Chicago, often celebrated for its architectural splendor and vibrant cultural scene, holds another claim to fame: its legendary pizza. This city has elevated pizza-making to an art form, with each pizzeria adding its unique flair to the beloved dish.
From the iconic deep-dish to the lesser-known tavern-style thin crust, Chicago offers a plethora of pizza experiences that cater to every palate.
This guide delves into the heart of Chicago's pizza culture, exploring the city's finest pies through the eyes of a local expert.
The Deep-Dish Dynasty
The Origins of Deep-Dish
The deep-dish pizza is synonymous with Chicago. Its origins date back to the 1940s when Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo opened Pizzeria Uno. They envisioned a pizza unlike any other—a pie with a thick, buttery crust, loaded with cheese, and topped with a chunky tomato sauce.
This creation diverged significantly from the traditional Neapolitan pizzas and quickly gained popularity, establishing itself as a Chicago staple.
Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due
Pizzeria Uno and its sister restaurant, Pizzeria Due, remain iconic destinations for deep-dish enthusiasts. Located in the River North neighborhood, these establishments continue to serve the original recipe, drawing locals and tourists alike.
The crust is dense yet flaky, the cheese is abundant, and the tomato sauce is robust, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that define Chicago-style deep-dish.
Giordano's: The Stuffed Pizza Revolution
Another heavyweight in the deep-dish arena is Giordano's, famed for its stuffed pizza. This variation takes decadence to another level with an additional layer of dough encasing the generous fillings.
Founded by Italian immigrants Efren and Joseph Boglio, Giordano's has become a symbol of indulgence in Chicago's pizza landscape. The stuffed pizza, often compared to a savory pie, is a must-try for anyone seeking a quintessential Chicago experience.
Lou Malnati's: A Family Legacy
Lou Malnati's, a family-owned pizzeria, has been serving deep-dish pizza since 1971. With a focus on quality ingredients and traditional recipes, Lou Malnati's has garnered a loyal following.
The buttery crust, tangy tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella make each bite a testament to the Malnati family's dedication to excellence. Their pizzas are not only delicious but also imbued with a sense of heritage and tradition.
The Underrated Tavern-Style Thin Crust
A Hidden Gem
While deep-dish pizza often steals the spotlight, Chicago's tavern-style thin crust is a hidden gem that deserves recognition.
This style, characterized by its cracker-thin crust, square-cut slices, and edge-to-edge toppings, offers a contrasting yet equally delightful pizza experience. It's the kind of pizza you'd find in local taverns and neighborhood joints, where the emphasis is on simplicity and flavor.
Vito & Nick's: A South Side Institution
Vito & Nick's, a South Side institution, has been serving tavern-style pizza since 1949. Known for its crispy crust and generous toppings, Vito & Nick's embodies the essence of this Chicago tradition.
The pizzas are baked to perfection, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. The atmosphere is unpretentious, inviting patrons to enjoy their pizza in a relaxed, communal setting.
Pat's Pizza: A North Side Favorite
On the North Side, Pat's Pizza has been a favorite since 1950. Pat's stays true to the tavern-style with its thin, crispy crust and robust flavors. The sauce is slightly sweet, balancing the savory toppings, while the cheese is perfectly melted to create a harmonious blend. Pat's Pizza offers a nostalgic dining experience, reminiscent of Chicago's mid-century pizza parlors.
The Modern Pizza Renaissance
Embracing Innovation
Chicago's pizza scene is not confined to tradition. A new wave of pizzerias is pushing boundaries and redefining what pizza can be.
These modern establishments blend innovation with craftsmanship, resulting in unique and exciting pizzas that cater to contemporary tastes.
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria: A Creative Fusion
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria in Wicker Park exemplifies this modern approach. Combining a microbrewery with a pizzeria, Piece offers New Haven-style pizza, known for its thin, chewy crust and coal-fired oven char.
The creative toppings and artisanal brews make Piece a popular spot for those seeking a fresh take on pizza. The emphasis on quality ingredients and inventive combinations has earned Piece a loyal following.
Coalfire: The Art of Simplicity
Coalfire, located in West Town, takes a minimalist approach to pizza-making. Their Neapolitan-inspired pies are cooked in a coal-fired oven, resulting in a crisp yet tender crust with a slightly smoky flavor.
Coalfire focuses on simplicity, using high-quality ingredients to create balanced and flavorful pizzas. This dedication to the art of pizza-making has positioned Coalfire as a standout in Chicago's modern pizza scene.
Pequod's Pizza: Caramelized Crust Delight
Pequod's Pizza, with locations in Lincoln Park and Morton Grove, offers a distinctive take on deep-dish pizza. Known for its caramelized crust, Pequod's pizzas are baked in cast-iron pans, allowing the cheese to caramelize along the edges.
This technique adds a unique texture and flavor to the crust, setting Pequod's apart from traditional deep-dish pizzerias. The combination of a rich, cheesy interior and a crispy, caramelized exterior makes Pequod's a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts.
Savoring the Chicago Pizza Experience
A Culinary Journey
Exploring Chicago's pizza scene is more than just a gastronomic adventure; it's a journey through the city's cultural and culinary history.
Each pizzeria tells a story, reflecting the diverse influences and innovations that have shaped Chicago's pizza landscape.
The Social Aspect
Pizza in Chicago is not just about the food; it's also about the experience. Sharing a pizza with friends or family in a cozy pizzeria, engaging in lively conversations, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere are integral parts of the Chicago pizza tradition.
Whether you're indulging in a deep-dish feast or savoring a thin-crust delight, the communal aspect of dining enhances the overall experience.
The Continued Evolution
Chicago's pizza scene continues to evolve, with new pizzerias constantly emerging and established ones refining their craft.
This dynamic environment ensures that there's always something new to discover, whether it's a modern twist on a classic or a completely novel creation.
As chefs and restaurateurs push the boundaries of pizza-making, they contribute to the rich tapestry of Chicago's culinary heritage.
Recommendations for Pizza Lovers
For those planning a pizza pilgrimage to Chicago, it's essential to explore a variety of styles and pizzerias to fully appreciate the city's offerings. Start with the iconic deep-dish at Pizzeria Uno, Lou Malnati's, and Giordano's.
Then venture into the world of tavern-style pizza with a visit to Vito & Nick's and Pat's Pizza. Finally, embrace the modern pizza renaissance at Piece Brewery and Pizzeria, Coalfire, and Pequod's Pizza. Each stop offers a unique taste of Chicago's pizza culture, making the journey both delicious and memorable.
Conclusion
Chicago's pizza scene is a testament to the city's culinary creativity and rich cultural heritage. From the legendary deep-dish to the underrated tavern-style thin crust, and the innovative modern pizzerias, Chicago offers a diverse and vibrant pizza experience that caters to all tastes.
Exploring these pizzerias is not just about indulging in delicious food; it's about connecting with the city's history, traditions, and community. Whether you're a local or a visitor, embarking on a Chicago pizza tour is a journey filled with flavor, discovery, and delight.
