Chicago Pizza
So here’s the thing, if you know me - you know pizza is my first true love and god just so planned it that I moved to the city of all things pizza. although I am a pizza snob, I also don’t discriminate…I love all pizza. and As real love goes, you have to go through a couple to find the real thing…and I took it upon myself to do the research for y’all.
THE LAYOVER
only when they’re in town.
(DISCLAIMER: I know this isn’t very popular opinion in the windy city, but I’m not a deep dish kinda gal. I heard someone say its a cheese casserole…and I couldn’t agree more. I understand the awe of it, and I will go whenever people are in town…but other that that, I’ll pass.)
Jets - Detroit - think little caesar’s, but detroit style.
The great debate between these guys…I already stated my opinion on deep dish in general, but here are their top attributes so you can decide for yourself
PEQUODS - deep dish - baked in a cast iron like skillet giving it a caramelized crust, this is the trendier “cool guy”
Gino’S EAST - deep dish - a little bit saucier (imo) and more old school vibes…however you are able to write on the walls & tables…and pretty much everywhere.
Lou Malnatis - deep dish - known for butter crust & sweeter sauce (I will say I do like their malnati salad)
Giordanos - deep dish - stuffed pizza with a cheese stuffed top and bottom crust with toppings in between
THE BOOTY CALL
when you just need something quick to get the job done.
Bennys- thin - a solid late night spot in pilsen. grab a slice and stop in the green room where you can bring your own food (or grab it on the way home)
Princi - focaccia - did not expect to find this grab & go in a starbucks reserve bakery…but hey, who doesn’t want pizza with their latte?
Pizanos - thin - okay, they have deep dish too. but their delivery thin crust, cut tavern style. its a good and easy crowd pleaser
Aurelios - thin - another chicago staple thin crust, can’t go wrong. I will admit i have some bias as my dad grew up with the aurelio’s family in homewood, il.
THE GOOD TIME
it’s never boring, always there when you want to have a good time. its tasty pizza, but more about the ambiance.
Bar Cargo - roman - thick square slices, really good spot to watch sports with an extra long za
Portofino - artisan thin - their pizza flavors are great, a little soft in the middle, but you’ll feel like you have been transported to italy.
Homeslice - thin/pan - the pizza is nothing special, but if you want to take a picture in front of a neon pizza sign with lights, you’re good to go
Happy Camper - thin - lots of topping options but even more lights. this place is an adult playground that levels up for the holidays.
Pizza & Oven Grinder - deep dish(ish?) - this guy is one of a kind, its more of a pot pie flipped out. if you like deep dish and all the ooey gooeyness, this might be up your alley.
THE FRIEND ZONED “NICE” GUY
there when I need ya, very reliable. to get the job done, but I don’t think I’ll go there unless I’m really trying to fill a craving.
Pizzeria Bebu - artisan thin - the breadcrumb finish on this did me in, it’s just a little…loud(Covid disclaimer - temporarily closed)
Etta - woodfired - the special corn za or their mushroom truffle are both winners…just be prepared to be breathing truffle for days with the mushroom pie.
Eataly - Neapolitan - this is a great option for a neapolitan pie, just don’t feel like dealing with the bustle of the marketplace to get my pie
Roots - quad city - hand tossed “scissor cut” (which makes it quad city style). its a good pie, but felt more like a guilty pleasure than something Id want on repeat.
Victory Tap - thin - the make your own is a goto for me, load it up with veggies & mozzarella. helps that this place is a stone throw away from where I live, so its easy when I’m in a pizza pinch.
Flo & Santos - tavern - a lot of choices and great to watch a game on the patio
Parlor Pizza - artisan thin - IMo this place is overrated. its a cool scene but their pizza is just…okay
Quartino - Neapolitan - ironically had this at the peak of QUARantine. RTE & par-baked dough helps make dinner & an activity the perfect date - but I’d choose other things on their menu before the za.
THE ALMOST PERFECT GUY
they're doing everything right, but you just don't feel the spark (but you''ll definitely go on a couple dates). These Za’s almost make the cut, but I’m just not dreaming about them at night.
Whiner Pizza - Thin Pub Style - This place is a vibe. grab a solid brew, hard seltzer, and this crispy sourdough crust is all you need.
Forno Rosso - neapolitan - authentically trained in naples, italy…and you can tell. they just do it right and their menu combinations are spot on.
Coalfire - artisan thin - the flavors come together really well and holds up in the center. next time, I want their staple whipped ricotta dollops.
Bob’s Pizza - thin “pilsen style” - the beer in this dough creates a super puffy crust, which I’m here for. They are known for their pickle pizza…but I’m not about that life.
The Stop Along - new york - A neighborhood spot making ny style pies with everything from scratch
Robert’s Pizza - Artisan - solid pizza, but the homemade ranch earned major points.
Piece - thin - really cool vibes, pizza served on baking sheets, really good spot for parties. **fun fact - I have a tattoo of their logo
Pizza Friendly Pizza - Sicilian - I’m usually not a thick crust but the dough on this is perfect. this miso mushroom slice slapped so hard.
MY TRUE LOVE(S)
the dream about, can't stop thinking about kinda love, makes you have butterflies (or start salivating) when you think about them. you can have more than one “true LOVE” but there are only a few that make the cut…
PIZZA FRIED CHICKEN ICE CREAM - this place is usually a sicilian or tavern style establishment (thursday-Sunday) but their wednesday only special, is order ahead only and they mix it up. i hate to rave about something that you can’t always get, but on wednesdays only they grace us with a specialty. this was a mix of a new york & neapolitan with pepperoni & ricotta. their next up is a tavern style za…and you bet your bottom dollar I will also be giving that a try. oh and their sick art murals on their patio & the side of the building are just icing on the cake.
THE DUCK INN - woodfired - pizza wednesday at this establishment. the foir di latte mozzarella on this margherita literally had me say “oh my god” outloud.
PROFESSOR PIZZA - New York - Truly he is THE professor of pizza. From New York to Tavern to Sicilian, he does it all. I’ve been dreaming of going to one of his pop ups for a while and finally did it for Natty Pizza Day. The finishing touches take it to the next level (pep gets ricotta dollops, hot honey & fresh parm. The Mortadella received lemon, basil, & crumbled pistachio - both first class options
ZAZA’S - New York - This was long awaited but we finally made it. If you didn’t know Portnoy gave it an 8.2 , which is high for him, but for me I have it cross the 9 point barrier, without a doubt. The crossover of creamy ricotta, spicy honey, gooey mozz & fresh basil was perfect. The crust was thin, but still had structure and was by far the showstopper of the slice(s).
