What is Chicago Style Pizza? (Why It’s So Different!)

Bacinos ^ | 8/12/22

[DallasBiff]

Pizza is a great meal to bring people together, with many distinct styles and flavors to choose from. From the thin-crust New York style to the wood-fired San Franciscan style, there is, certainly, something for everyone.

[TMD]

We moved from the SF Bay Area to the Sierra Foothills last year and discovered that sourdough up here is non-existent. There is NO decent, crusty sourdough to be had. Everyone says it’s because of the weather/altitude. : (

[cornfedcowboy]

Dave Portnoy raves about New Haven pizza. Called “apizza”

[MayflowerMadam]

I had no idea Godfather’s was still around. They used to have a great lunch special, IIRC.

[Dr. Sivana]

There are several Chicago styles. The deep dish pan style (Gino's East, Uno, Connie's), the stuffed (Giordano's, Edwardo's). the thin (Home Run Inn).

[avenir]

Both of those look amazing.

[The Truth Will Make You Free]

I’ve got 4 large half-baked Lou Malnati’s pizzas in my freezer ready for Christmas Eve. We’re over 500 miles from Chicago.

[mylife]

I agree with her

[Dr. Sivana]

Dave Portnoy raves about New Haven pizza. Called “apizza”

Dave Portnoy is correct. "Apizza" is pronounced "Ah-beetz". Sally's on Wooster and Modern Apizza are the best (Pepe's is older, but Sal's perfected it, also his 1939 coal oven is still in operation.)

[stanne]

It is regional though. And tgat is my experience. That no matter how northeast coastal a person is, they can’t get the pizza to be that New York/NJ/Connecticut quality outside of the region. It’s atmospheric- water included

[mylife]

my fav Chicago food is Chicago Italian Beef.

Hell yeahs!!!

[Dr. Sivana]

I’ve got 4 large half-baked Lou Malnati’s pizzas in my freezer ready for Christmas Eve. We’re over 500 miles from Chicago.

Once I get a job I am going to have to go to one of the ones here in Phoenix, so I can review with authority. It wasn't a thing when I lived in Chicago (early '80s)

[ApplegateRanch]

Best pizza I’ve had was home made deep dish Sicilian, made by Mrs. Celestre, for parties at her house, when I was in college with her son.

[jdsteel]

“ It’s all about the atmosphere.”

And the water.

[jdsteel]

“ Lou Malnati’s pizza is great but my fav Chicago food is Chicago Italian Beef.”

Beef on Weck is pretty darn good.

[jdsteel]

“… but my German-Irish father wanted my English -Polish mother to cook Italian…”

You, sir, are a true American.

Heinz 57.

[Some Fat Guy in L.A.]

Used to have a Chicago style pizza joint where I live. Best pizza I’ve had since leaving Pittsburgh. I couldn’t keep him in business, apparently, alas.

[DallasBiff]

>i> Best pizza I’ve had since leaving Pittsburgh.

Go 30 miles west from Pittsburgh, and in Stueubville, OH, you will find "Ohio valley pizza" at a place called "DiCarlo's"

[Alter Kaker]

That looks yummy but it is most certainly no Chicago-style.

That's nice but he's right, you're wrong. Chicago is home to multiple pizza styles. You're correct that it's not deep dish, it's Chicago tavern style. (Deep dish is cheese. casserole for tourists.)

[Larry Lucido]

At least when Kramer goes to Lorenzo's, he get the "sign" correct.

[Larry Lucido]

Most folks order their own individual small pizza in Italy, so I was able to order my favorite: Pepperoni and anchovy. Still miss it!