Chicago, the heart of the Midwest, is renowned for its deep-dish pizzas and culinary prowess. Let’s dive into the top 10 pizza places in the Windy City!
In This Article
Is Chicago the Pizza Capital? Many would argue yes, given the city’s rich history with deep-dish and its array of pizzerias that offer a slice for every palate.
Chicago’s Pizza Legacy
- Home of the Deep-Dish Pizza
- Diverse Range: From Thin Crust to Stuffed
- Historic Pizzerias with Decades of Legacy
- Modern Takes on Classic Recipes
- Every Neighborhood Has Its Favorite
Best Pizzerias to Visit in Chicago
1. Lou Malnati’s: Famous for its buttery crust and rich toppings.
2. Giordano’s: Where the stuffed pizza reigns supreme.
3. Pequod’s Pizza: Known for its caramelized crust.
4. Art of Pizza: A local favorite offering both stuffed and deep-dish.
5. Bartoli’s Pizzeria: Classic Chicago-style deep-dish.
6. Coalfire Pizza: Thin crust pizzas cooked in a coal oven.
7. Spacca Napoli: Bringing authentic Neapolitan pizza to Chicago.
8. Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company: Creative toppings and a crispy crust.
9. Labriola Chicago: Deep-dish and artisanal pizzas under one roof.
10. Piece Brewery and Pizzeria: New Haven-style thin crust paired with craft beers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs
- What makes Chicago deep-dish pizza unique?
- How is stuffed pizza different from deep-dish?
- Are there vegan and gluten-free pizza options in Chicago?
- Which pizzerias offer delivery in Chicago?
- Can I find New York-style pizza in Chicago?
Chicago Pizza Guide Introduction
To sum up, Chicago’s pizza scene is a gastronomic journey, offering a slice of history, culture, and sheer deliciousness. Whether you’re a fan of deep-dish, thin crust, or something in between, Chicago has a pizza place that’s sure to captivate your taste buds.
No matter which of these top 10 pizza places in Chicago you choose, you’re sure to have a delicious meal. From classic deep-dish to unique thin-crust, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City. So grab a slice (or a whole pie) and enjoy the best pizza Chicago has to offer.
Deep Dish vs. Thin Crust: Which is the Best Pizza in Chicago?
Chicago is known for many things, but perhaps one of the most iconic is its pizza. The city is home to a wide variety of pizza styles, but two of the most popular are deep dish and thin crust. Both have their loyal fans, but which is truly the best pizza in Chicago?
Deep dish pizza is often what comes to mind when people think of Chicago-style pizza. It’s a thick, hearty pizza with a crust that rises up the sides of the pan, creating a deep well for the toppings. The cheese is usually on the bottom, followed by the toppings and then the sauce. The result is a pizza that’s almost like a pie, with a crispy crust and a gooey, cheesy center.
Thin crust pizza, on the other hand, is a much lighter and crispier pizza. The crust is thin and crispy, with a slightly chewy texture. The toppings are usually piled high, with a generous amount of sauce and cheese. It’s a pizza that’s meant to be folded in half and eaten on the go, making it a popular choice for busy Chicagoans.
So which is the best pizza in Chicago? It really depends on your personal preference. If you’re looking for a hearty, filling pizza that’s almost like a meal in itself, then deep dish is the way to go. It’s perfect for a cold winter night or a lazy Sunday afternoon. But if you’re looking for a lighter, more portable pizza that you can enjoy on the go, then thin crust is the better choice.
Of course, there are plenty of other factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best pizza in Chicago. For example, the quality of the ingredients is crucial. A pizza made with fresh, high-quality ingredients will always taste better than one made with cheap, processed ingredients. The cooking method is also important. A pizza that’s cooked in a wood-fired oven will have a smoky, charred flavor that you just can’t get from a conventional oven.
Another factor to consider is the restaurant itself. Chicago is home to a wide variety of pizza places, from small mom-and-pop shops to large chain restaurants. Each has its own unique atmosphere and style, so it’s worth trying a few different places to find the one that suits you best.
Ultimately, the best pizza in Chicago is the one that you enjoy the most. Whether you prefer deep dish or thin crust, or something in between, there’s no shortage of delicious pizza options in the Windy City. So why not try a few different places and see which one you like best? You might just discover a new favorite pizza joint.
A Guide to Chicago’s Pizza Tours
Chicago is known for many things, but one of the most iconic is its deep-dish pizza. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for the best slice. That’s where pizza tours come in. These guided tours take you to some of the best pizza places in the city, giving you a taste of what makes Chicago pizza so special.
One of the most popular pizza tours in Chicago is the Chicago Pizza Tour. This tour takes you to four different pizzerias, each with its own unique style. You’ll start at Pizano’s, a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up deep-dish pizza since 1991. From there, you’ll head to Lou Malnati’s, a Chicago institution that has been around since 1971. Next up is Gino’s East, known for its cornmeal crust and graffiti-covered walls. Finally, you’ll end the tour at Pequod’s Pizza, which is famous for its caramelized crust.
Another great pizza tour option is the Slice of Chicago Pizza Tours. This tour takes you to three different pizzerias, each with its own distinct style. You’ll start at Giordano’s, which is known for its stuffed pizza. From there, you’ll head to Art of Pizza, which has won numerous awards for its thin-crust pizza. Finally, you’ll end the tour at Coalfire Pizza, which uses a coal-fired oven to create a crispy, charred crust.
If you’re looking for a more personalized pizza experience, consider booking a private pizza tour. These tours can be customized to your preferences, allowing you to visit the pizzerias that interest you the most. Some popular options for private pizza tours include Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s Pizza, and Pizzeria Uno.
No matter which pizza tour you choose, you’re sure to have a delicious and memorable experience. But what makes Chicago pizza so special? For starters, it’s all about the crust. Deep-dish pizza has a thick, buttery crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Thin-crust pizza, on the other hand, has a crispy, cracker-like crust that is often topped with a generous amount of cheese and toppings.
Another key element of Chicago pizza is the sauce. Most pizzerias use a tomato-based sauce that is seasoned with herbs and spices. Some pizzerias also add a touch of sweetness to their sauce, which helps to balance out the richness of the cheese and crust.
Of course, no discussion of Chicago pizza would be complete without mentioning the cheese. Most pizzerias use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese, which creates a gooey, stretchy texture that is irresistible. Some pizzerias also add other types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Romano, to give their pizza an extra kick of flavor.
In conclusion, if you’re a pizza lover, a pizza tour is a must-do activity when visiting Chicago. Whether you prefer deep-dish or thin-crust pizza, there is something for everyone in this city. So grab a slice (or four) and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer.
The History of Pizza in Chicago: From Uno’s to Lou Malnati’s
Chicago is known for many things, but one of the most iconic is its deep-dish pizza. This hearty, cheesy, tomatoey pie has been a staple of the city’s cuisine for decades, and it’s no wonder why. With its thick crust, generous toppings, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal that’s hard to resist.
But where did this delicious dish come from? And who makes the best pizza in Chicago? To answer these questions, we need to take a trip back in time to the origins of deep-dish pizza in the Windy City.
The story begins in 1943, when a man named Ike Sewell opened a restaurant called Uno’s Pizzeria in downtown Chicago. Sewell had a vision for a new kind of pizza, one that would be different from the thin-crust pies that were popular in New York and other cities. He wanted a pizza that was more substantial, with a crust that was more like a pie than a flatbread.
To achieve this, Sewell experimented with different dough recipes and baking techniques until he came up with the perfect formula. He used a high-sided pan to create a deep dish, which he filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce. The result was a pizza that was unlike anything anyone had ever tasted before.
Uno’s quickly became a hit with Chicagoans, and soon other pizzerias began to copy Sewell’s recipe. One of the most successful imitators was Lou Malnati, who opened his own pizzeria in 1971. Malnati had worked at Uno’s for years, and he knew the secret to making a great deep-dish pizza.
Malnati’s pizzeria quickly became a favorite among locals, and it’s still one of the most popular pizza places in Chicago today. The restaurant is known for its buttery crust, which is made with a secret recipe that includes cornmeal and butter. The crust is so beloved that Malnati’s even sells it by the pound, so customers can make their own pizzas at home.
Other notable pizzerias in Chicago include Giordano’s, Gino’s East, and Pizzeria Due. Each of these restaurants has its own unique take on deep-dish pizza, but they all share a commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
Despite the popularity of deep-dish pizza, it’s not the only style of pizza that’s available in Chicago. The city is also home to a thriving thin-crust pizza scene, with many pizzerias offering their own take on this classic style. Some of the best thin-crust pizza places in Chicago include Piece Brewery and Pizzeria, Vito & Nick’s, and Coalfire Pizza.
So, who makes the best pizza in Chicago? That’s a matter of personal opinion, of course. Some people swear by Lou Malnati’s, while others prefer Giordano’s or Gino’s East. Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re looking for in a pizza. Do you want a thick, hearty pie that’s loaded with toppings? Or do you prefer a thin, crispy crust with just a few simple ingredients?
No matter what your preference, one thing is certain: Chicago is a pizza lover’s paradise. With so many great pizzerias to choose from, you’re sure to find a pizza that satisfies your cravings. So why not take a tour of the city’s best pizza places and see for yourself which one is your favorite?
Chicago’s Best Pizza Toppings: From Classic to Creative
Chicago is known for many things, but one of the most iconic is its deep-dish pizza. This hearty, filling pizza is a staple of the city’s cuisine, and there are countless pizzerias throughout the city that serve up their own unique takes on this classic dish. But what are the best pizza toppings to try in Chicago? From classic to creative, here are some of the top options to consider.
First up, let’s talk about the classics. When it comes to deep-dish pizza, there are a few toppings that are simply timeless. One of the most popular is sausage. Whether it’s crumbled or sliced, sausage adds a savory, meaty flavor to the pizza that pairs perfectly with the rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese. Another classic topping is pepperoni. This spicy, slightly greasy meat is a favorite of pizza lovers everywhere, and it’s no different in Chicago. Other classic toppings to consider include mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
Of course, just because something is a classic doesn’t mean it’s the only option. Chicago is also home to plenty of pizzerias that offer more creative toppings for those who want to try something new. One popular option is spinach. This leafy green adds a fresh, slightly bitter flavor to the pizza that pairs well with the richness of the cheese and sauce. Another creative topping to consider is giardiniera. This pickled vegetable mix is a Chicago specialty, and it adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick to the pizza that’s sure to wake up your taste buds.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, you might want to try some of the more unusual toppings that can be found in Chicago. One option is shrimp. This seafood topping might seem strange at first, but it actually works surprisingly well on a deep-dish pizza. The shrimp adds a sweet, slightly briny flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. Another unusual topping to consider is BBQ chicken. This sweet and smoky meat is a favorite of many, and it can be a great way to mix things up if you’re tired of the same old toppings.
Of course, no matter what toppings you choose, the key to a great deep-dish pizza is the crust. A good crust should be thick and crispy on the outside, but soft and chewy on the inside. It should be able to hold up to the weight of the toppings without getting soggy or falling apart. And of course, it should be delicious all on its own. Whether you prefer a buttery, flaky crust or a more bread-like texture, there’s a deep-dish pizza out there for you.
So, what’s the best pizza in Chicago? That’s a tough question to answer, as there are so many great options to choose from. Some of the most popular pizzerias in the city include Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Gino’s East, but there are plenty of other great options out there as well. Ultimately, the best pizza is the one that you enjoy the most, whether that’s a classic sausage and pepperoni or a more creative combination of toppings. So why not try a few different pizzerias and see which one you like best? After all, there’s no such thing as too much pizza.
Conclusion
Conclusion: The best pizza in Chicago is a highly debated topic, with many different opinions and preferences. However, some of the most popular and highly rated pizza places in the city include Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, Pequod’s Pizza, and Gino’s East. Ultimately, the best pizza in Chicago is a matter of personal taste and preference, and there are many great options to choose from.
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