Live Moore: Chicago Pizza
Karen B. Moore, APR, CPRC
CEO and Founder of Moore, Advocacy, Public Relations, Crisis Communications
I spent several days in Chicago recently and was able to schedule time to eat at a couple of my favorite pizza places. I think everyone knows Giordano’s and Uno’s pizza parlors. I agree that both have great pizza. However, I like to go to the small pizza places where the locals eat pizza and drink beer with their friends. I want a place that the tourist might not know to go and offers pizza that you can’t find anywhere else. If you crave pizza with unique topping options, then check out these three spots.
1. Pequod's on N. Clyburn Ave—a neighborhood bar with amazing pizza. The signature pan pizza is ringed with caramelized cheese. The slices are so big you can only eat one. I recommend ordering a veggie one and then add giant ground pork sausage meatballs. Just go all out!
2. Chicago Pizza and oven Grinder Company on N. Clark St.—you will not believe this one. The pizzas are actually pot pies, built bottom-up in a ramekin and baked with the crust on top. They bring you the pizza to your table and then flip it upside-down and the fillings slide into bread bowl crust. It is the perfectly seasoned pizza pot pie. The place is cash only and is located in a beautiful historic brownstone. I regularly go here when in Chicago.
3. Vito and Nick’s Pizzeria on S. Pulaski Rd—it is famous because it was featured on Diners Drives and Dives. I like this one because it is a thin crust, not typical Chicago thick crust pizza. I suggest you order the garlic bread in addition to your pizza. It is worth the calories. It opened in 1949 and is the hot spot for Bears fans. Beware on game nights it is LOUD!
I am sure every Chicagoan has a favorite pizza spot, so tell me where to go.
Live Moore.
Karen