Here’s a fact: Chicago takes its pizza pie seriously. In fact, the two of us were discussing this matter last night (over pizza, of course): that pizza in the “Second City” is scrutinized the same way that BBQ is in Memphis. I mean you aren’t a true Memphian unless you know the exact location to scarf down the BBQ to end all BBQ (which is the Bar-B-Q Shop on Madison). Now, Chicago is nowhere in the same league as Memphis when it comes to pig cookin’ (we know, we tried), but they do make a mean pie. And like Memphians have their favorite BBQ joint, everyone here has their favorite pizza joint, which is carefully decided on from a multitude of criteria such as pie crust, fresh toppings, sloppy level, etc. Well, we have scarfed down enough pizza ourselves since we’ve stepped foot in this fair city for me to come to my own conclusions. So, here are my top 10 favorite places to grab a pizza in Chicago:
10. My Pizza Pie – It’s basic, but good and only a few blocks from our apartment.
09. Pequod’s – This one upset Apryl’s tummy, but I enjoyed it once I dealt with the pepperoni issue, which was that there was way too much of it. I had to pick them off or be left with an overly salty pie.
08. Santullo’s Eatery – OK, this is actually New York style, but good pizza is good pizza. And Santullo’s offers an amazing deal for a slice of pizza, that I swear will make you feel like you just devoured an entire pie.
07. Pizzeria Due – Sure, it’s a tourist trap, but so is the Rendezvous in Memphis, which doesn’t make it any less wonderful.
06. Edwardo’s – A favorite by many for their fresh toppings. To me, it was just another great Chicago pizza. The big plus is that it’s right next to my favorite Mexican restaurant in Chicago and a tasty Indian spot. -Tie-Bacino’s – Apryl seemed to really like the stuffed spinach here, while I tended to like the stuffed spinach from Edwardo’s. However, I will say that Bacino’s was one of the best tasting of the pizzas for a cold breakfast.
05. Art of Pizza – Voted #1 Deep Dish in Chicago by the the Chicago Tribue a few years back. I don’t know if it deserves that honor or such a high spot on this list, but we had it last night (and for breakfast for me), so it’s on the mind. Nice friendly folks, and the best feature is the deep dish “pizza by the slice,” where you can try out a variety of different pizza combinations.
04. Piece – Sure, it’s a trendy spot in Wicker Park, but the pizza is wonderful. Forget deep dish, pan, stuffed, and enjoy a thin slice of pizza every once in awhile. Saturday nights there is live-band karaoke which is wonderfully obnoxious entertainment for out of town guests.
03. Homemade Pizza – How is this for an idea: a restaurant that delivers their pie right to your door uncooked for you to bake yourself. That’s right, uncooked. The reason it’s so great are the fresh ingredients, and it only takes 15 minutes in the oven. And yummy wheat crust!
02. Lou Malnati’s – This might be a pain to get to (at an intersection of a dozen cross streets) but the pizza is so good, that it is only rivaled by…
01. Giordano’s – This was my first introduction to stuffed pizza, and it has changed me forever! If you’re visiting from out of town, we’re going here. There are multiple locations around Chicago, including one close by in Logan Square, but the one on Rush downtown is my favorite.
(Out of town friends Caroline and Liam enjoying a stuffed vegetable supreme from Giordanos!)
I have to have at least one slice of giordano’s stuffed veggie every year.
Obligatory “b-b-but you left out…” comment: Pizza Metro, man. Really, check them out. It’s run by a couple of guys who moved here from Italy a few years back, I think. Try a slice (one slice is just about a meal) of potato and rosemary and get back to me.
Reading this list is bittersweet for me, because *all* pizza here has made me very, very ill. I’m afraid I might have developed a cheese allergy. I’ll take some baby steps when we come back, in the hope that’s it’s just some weird korean pizza thing.
Comment by Trey — December 22, 2006 @ 10:48 pm
Potato and Rosemary, eh? That sounds great! I will be sure to check it out. Though searching online it seems that Pizza Metro has gone down hill, especially with service. However, there are many praises for the sequal: Pizza Metro II.
I sure hope you can overcome the cheese allergy. Are you affected by all types of cheeses? Because that would just be cruel and sad.
Comment by Hayden — December 23, 2006 @ 4:42 am
This post makes me so happy!
I also enjoy a slice of Pompei Pizza every now and then. They have some unusual varieties.
Comment by Rachel — December 23, 2006 @ 7:57 pm
Glad it made you happy, Rachel. Thanks for another great suggestion! I checked out their website and if their serving sizes are correct, they’re real cheap. And square pizzas are fun!
Comment by Hayden — December 23, 2006 @ 8:22 pm
why talk about chicago pizza when we can get back to talking about Bar-b-que. I mean, The Bar-b-que Shop is good and all, but I’m all about some Ms. Payne’s or even Central. Though something tells me Central is a fave for how close to home it is and perhaps that explains your affinity for the Shop. Ah, what passions we cities have.
Comment by safeguy — December 26, 2006 @ 12:30 pm